25 May 2012

Hill Dickinson's David Ferris joins Clipper Round the World Race

By William Mathieson

Comments

Hill Dickinson’s Bids Manager, David Ferris, has been selected to join the transatlantic stage of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.  Ferris will board the Northern Ireland team boat Derry-Londonderry in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 15 June and will race 3,782km across the Atlantic before arriving in the city of Derry-Londonderry between 29 June and 1 July.
 
Ferris, who hails from Belfast but is based in Hill Dickinson’s Liverpool headquarters, is a sailing novice.  He was selected by the Clipper Race from 70 Hill Dickinson employees who entered the competition to win a place on board the boat, which is competing in the 13th leg of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race. Hill Dickinson is sponsoring Race 13 and the winners of the race will be awarded the Hill Dickinson Cup.
 
During his time on board Ferris will be raising as much money as possible for his chosen charity Marie Curie Cancer Care, in memory of his mother, who was looked after by their nurses. Commenting on this unique opportunity Ferris said:

“This is a once in a lifetime chance to participate in something truly amazing, something I would never have had the opportunity to do under normal circumstances. I wanted to put myself forward as a candidate as soon as the competition was launched but I never thought I would be selected! I can’t wait to set sail and I’m hoping to raise plenty of money for Marie Curie which has been such a support to my own family in the past. Although I’m new to sailing, my family has a close affinity with the sea as my father and uncle were founding members of the then Ulster Sub-Aqua Club and I spent a lot of time on the Northern Irish Coast during my childhood. ”
 
Ferris will be heading off to Portsmouth on 25 May to find his sea legs during one week of intensive training at Gosport. He will depart for Nova Scotia on 13 June and joins the Derry-Londonderry yacht in Halifax before starting the race on Friday 15 June. During his time on board Ferris will be an active member of the crew with responsibilities including cooking for fellow crewmembers, cleaning the boat as well as ensuring the yacht's speed is as fast as possible.

The race finishes in Derry, Northern Ireland between Friday 29 June and Sunday 1 July and David is hoping for a strong turn out from his friends and family in Northern Ireland.

Jonathan Bailey, Clipper Race Director said of the competition: “We were very impressed by the calibre of applicants from Hill Dickinson for a space on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Choosing a winner was a tough decision, but we are certain that David’s love for the sea, eagerness for a challenge and not least his dedication to raise awareness for the Marie Curie Cancer Care will be well-received amongst fellow crew. We are looking forward to welcoming him on board for this tough Atlantic crossing finishing in his home country of Northern Ireland. Hopefully he will be on the winning team lifting the Hill Dickinson Cup in Derry-Londonderry in July.”

David Wareing, Senior Partner at Hill Dickinson said: “David will continue to share news of his adventures as he embarks on the challenge of a lifetime, representing the firm, Liverpool and Northern Ireland. We wish David a safe and enjoyable trip for what I am sure will be an incredible experience.

To donate click here.

Comments

Add a comment