Derry - Londonderry - Doire

With a name like that it is easy to see why Derry-Londonderry was awarded the title of European City of Culture 2012. For a city that has had such a troubled past it has not let anything hold it back and, as I discovered, the people certainly know how to party.

The reception we received on Monday was incredible and there were well wishers alongside us in their boats before we even reached sight of the city. As we motored in, one boat at a time, up the River Foyle all we could hear were the crowds cheering us in. Considering we were due in over the weekend, the turnout was more than impressive and it transpired the mayoress had declared Monday a public holiday to ensure we received a warm welcome.

On top of the maritime festival, public holiday and crowds of spectators there was another reason for me to enjoy my time in Derry-Londonderry. I telephoned my parents on the way into port and they told me they were enjoying another glorious morning at home in Devon; which I completely bought. Little did I realise they had taken a scenic motorbike ride up to the very top of Northern Ireland to surprise me! Asides from Beijing, this is the furthest my parents have travelled to see me and what a lovely welcome it was.

The six nights on dry land could have been spent partying nonstop but after a couple of nights I was ready to escape and headed down to Belfast to enjoy some quiet time with friends. My last two days have been busy preparing the boat and attending briefings about briefings. I cannot believe it is time to start the next race already - Den Helder here we come.