Clippers leave crowd Swinging in rain

RAINCOATS and umbrellas were the order of the day for those who braved the weather on the third and final day of the Cork Clipper Festival.

The crowds were out in full force to cheer on the boats as they headed off to the Netherlands for the final leg of the 35,000 mile race.

The Band of the 1st Southern Brigade took to the stage to provide some cheerful departure music as one by one the yachts sailed out of the dock, led proudly by the Cork team.

Skipper of the Cork team Hannah Jenner said that she was really enjoying the adventure but was happy to have visited home.

“It’s been great to be back in Ireland and see the support of the crowd,” said Hannah, who celebrated her 10th crossing of the Atlantic last week.

Race director Jonathan Bailey said the crew had enjoyed a fantastic stay in Cork and had received a very warm welcome from everyone.

He added: “The teams had a brilliant time but they were also a bit apprehensive because this is the last leg of the race, so the few weeks in Cork has given them a chance to relax and let their hair down before getting back to business.”

Among those who came to see the teams depart was Lord Mayor Mick O’Connell, who congratulated the Cork team on their achievements so far and wished them luck for the final leg of the journey.

The Australian team, the current leaders in the race, joked that they had ambitions to be in the Netherlands for the World Cup final tomorrow.

Once the last of the 10 yachts had left the harbour, the crowds settled in for a night of fun and entertainment provided by Cork’s latest musical sensation, Crystal Swing, supported by the Roaring Forties and The Walls.