Volvo Ocean Race Sailing to Galway

High-tech Yachts Come for Stopover and In Port Competition in 2009

Jul 30, 2008 Renate Oetjens

The Volvo Ocean Race around the globe will come to Galway for the first time in May 2009 for a two week stopover - the west of Ireland prepares for a boost in tourism.

When leaving Boston on May 16, the high-tech yachts will already have mastered over 32,000 nautical miles of their epic journey. Starting off in Alicante / Spain on October 11, they will have sailed around Africa to India, Singapore and Qingdao in China; they will have crossed the South Pacific and after passing Cape Horn have sailed up to Boston via Rio de Janeiro. Leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race will have them crossing the Atlantic. After a good week of sailing the gigantic yachts will pass the three Aran Islands off the Irish west coast before arriving in Galway Bay for their two week stopover.

Race Village in the Old Port of Galway

Galway's port, usually mainly occupied by fish trawlers, Irish Navy and Coastguard vessels, is preparing to undergo a magical transformation. After ideas about building a brand new exclusive permanent marina for yachts and sailings boats were dismissed, the initiators opted for a Race Village right around the traditional port – a convincing plan, which will unite old and new and bring the event right into the center of the lively town.

Spectators will be able to have close looks at the fastest sailing boats of the world, while these are moored in Galway. Among them is Ireland's own Green Dragon, constructed and built in China and financed by Irish and Chinese investors. The weekend from May 30 to June 1 sees a three day in port sailing competition, offering the competitors a chance to gather more points. Spectators can follow the races from the long prom in Salthill, Galway's seaside suburb, which stretches for about 1,5 miles and is situated within walking distance from the Race Village.

The Nostalgic Charm of Sailing a Galway Hooker

While it is not possible to participate in any of the sailing on the high-tech yachts, a simulator offers the chance to get as close to being on board as possible – feel the excitement without even getting your fingers wet.

Those who are more interested in real sailing, there a plenty of opportunities to join sailing courses or excursions. A relic of the old days are the Galway Hookers with their characteristic dark red sails: these wooden boats were used for fishing in Galway Bay and are easily distinguished by their single mast with one main sail and two foresails. Trips on these beautiful old boats offer a peaceful, timeless experience.

Food and Wine Fair and Live Music

Those who prefer to remain with their feet firmly on the ground will have no problem to pass the time between food and wine fair, live music entertainment and countless other activities. The Volvo Ocean Race leaves Galway on June 6 for Leg 8, 950 nautical miles, to Göteborg / Sweden. It will continue to Stockholm and finish in St. Petersburg in the end of June.

The prestigious offshore yachting event Volvo Ocean Race was formerly known as Whitbread Round the World Race. So far the entries of seven of the specially designed racing yachts have been confirmed.

Visitor information for VOR-stopover in Galway

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The copyright of the article Volvo Ocean Race Sailing to Galway in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Renate Oetjens. Permission to republish Volvo Ocean Race Sailing to Galway in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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