PRESS RELEASE

Derry’s ships come in

22nd May 2003

The Sea Cloud II will also be dropping anchor at Greencastle, maintaining the region’s reputation as being able to cater for all size of vessels. The Sea Cloud II is a state-of-the-art tall ship, which has all the traditional aspects of a sailing vessel along with the comforts of a 5 star luxury liner.

Miss Corr continued, “ Our marketing to the wider marine leisure sector will show further results this year with visits from the Irish Sail training vessel, Asgard II and the Ocean Youth Club vessel, the Lord Rank. Both these boats will be using Derry as a base for changing crews. This is an important development as by the end of June Londonderry Port’s pontoon will be in place, which will put us in a position to target more aggressively this marine leisure sector to attract more sail boats to the city.”

Chairman of Londonderry Port, Mary Breslin, said, “With the experience and expertise that has been gained through the Cruise Initiative partnership, this new development is a natural direction for the city to establish itself as a destination that can accommodate the marine leisure sector. Through the Cruise Initiative we will work together to promote this new berthing facility in order to promote the magnificent natural resource we have in the River Foyle and to encourage visitors and the local community to access the river.”

Deputy Mayor, Alderman Mary Hamilton said, “It’s a great way to begin the cruise season and raise local awareness of water based tourism. During the season, local people can enjoy a number of cruise ships and sail training vessels. The Foyle Regatta will also take place at the start of July to mark the launch of the new pontoon, and local people and visitors can enjoy the spectacle of real activity on the river.”

Note to Editor:

Cruise calls visits are attached.

For further information, please contact Aideen Corr on Tel 028 71 376 504

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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