Clipper Round the World Yacht Race arriving in Londonderry

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which sees teams of amateur sailors spend a year travelling the globe, is arriving in Londonderry.

The yachts are arriving ahead of schedule for the Foyle Maritime Festival between 20 July and 24 July.

The first to show up was the GoToBermuda and crew, which arrived just before 10:30 BST to applause.

The event sees teams travel 40,000 nautical miles (74,080km) and stop at various locations around the world.

Initial estimates had the race group arriving to the city on Thursday.

The event sees teams travel 40,000 nautical miles (74,080km) and stop at various locations

The current Clipper Race started back in 2019, but was postponed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and restarted again in March 2022.

Some of the countries that the fleet have docked in already this year have included Portugal, South Africa, Uruguay, Australia, China, Philippines, Panama and Bermuda.

The GoToBermuda crew getting a group picture before hitting dry land

This year will mark the 10th year of partnership between the Clipper Race and Derry and it will once again be a key feature of the internationally renowned Foyle Maritime Festival.

The GoToBermuda crew met locals on the quay shortly before getting breakfast and heading for a Guinness.

'Welcome and warmth in Derry'

Clipper's deputy race director Dale Smyth told BBC News NI's Good Morning Ulster programme Derry was a highlight in the race.

"It's a place that's really connected with Clipper and become a home of the race.

"For us it's coupled with the fact that we are back into UK waters and the excitement of almost completing a circumnavigation and then just the amazing welcome and warmth we receive here from the people. It's just a fantastic stop-over for us.

"The north Atlantic is a big wild place and they've been at sea for a long time so everyone is more than looking forward to a hot shower and a pint of Guinness."

He said the race was special.

"It's the only event internationally that gives amateurs the experience to circumnavigate and race at a professional level off shore," he explained.

The 2018 Foyle Maritime Festival drew a crowd of more than 200,000 people

The five-day festival focuses on the Derry's rich maritime heritage and tens of thousands of people are expected to attend.

The festival offerings include live performances, ship tours, boat viewings, water activities, food trails, as well as animated family fun zones.

The theme for 2022 is What Lies Beneath, focusing on marine science, sustainability and protecting underwater ecosystems.

A fire and water show on the Foyle attracted thousands of people in 2014

Derry man Gerard Doherty and eight other non-professional sailors from the island of Ireland are among the 11 teams who have taken on the nautical challenge.

Several of the Irish crew are sailing on board the Ha Long Bay, the Vietnam entry, including Mr Doherty, who sailed more than 15,000 nautical miles on legs six, seven and eight of the race.

It arrived in Derry just before 17:15 BST.

Gerard Doherty said he was "very proud" to be returning to Derry

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, Mr Doherty, who left Derry in February, said it was just "so good to be back".

"The Pacific was a long hard sail, it was cold and wet. But the crew got us through, it was a team effort and it worked," he said.

Mr Doherty said the biggest challenge while at sea was how much he missed his family.

"I knew I would miss my family but I didn't realise how much I would miss them.

"I am so glad to be in Derry".

Derry sailor Gerard Doherty's family welcomes him home after he sailed across the Pacific

As he sailed into the Foyle he said he was "just so proud of my achievement, proud of the reception we received from the people of Derry, just proud to be a Derryman".

He was welcomed ashore on Wednesday by his wife Sharon and daughters Kate and Jane.

Speaking ahead of the fleet's arrival on Wednesday, mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Sandra Duffy said there was a real sense of anticipation building in the city.

"The first sign of the yachts as they make their way up the Foyle generates a huge buzz and the crew can expect a tremendous reception when they step on to the Quayside," Ms Duffy said.

"I know we're all looking forward in particular to welcoming our own crew member Gerard Doherty home after his epic adventure.

"I hope to see lots of people turning out to give Gerard and all the Clipper crew a very warm Derry welcome."

As a host port, Derry will welcome crews from around the world

The penultimate stop for the round-the-world race is dubbed "The LegenDerry Finale" as crews are welcomed to the city following their journey from New York in the United States.

The Foyle Maritime Festival is led by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism NI, Foyle Port and the Loughs Agency.