Volvo Ocean Race Galway 2009
The worlds biggest sailing event will be coming to Galway this summer. The largest sailing race in the world will make a stop over visit to galway from May 23rd 2009 till 6th June 2009. 

 

Salmon Weir Hostel located in the heart of Galway city will be provinding accomodation for vistors during the volvo ocean races stay over in galway. 

 

The Volvo Ocean race, also known as the Round the World Race, is run every four years and will cover 39,000 miles. It will begin in Alicante, Spain and will visit around eleven ports including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, China, India and Boston. In-port racing will take place in all ports as well as the race around the world. The Galway leg of this race begins in June 2009. 

 

The news came after the Irish Government announced that it would make funds available to help bring the race to Ireland for the first time. The race is a huge development for Galway City and the tourism industry and it will also spur development of the infrastructure of the port. 

 

 

Festival Programme

 

22-24 May - Arrival Weekend

Live music in race villageStreet theatre and children's entertainment by day Unique celebrations as each boat arrivesOfficial race village opening ceremony

25-29 May - Midweek

EntertainmentOn-water activities including sportsboat regattas, special interest boats and 'Come and try Sailing' eventLive entertainment in race village each nightSchools visit to race villageArt exhibitions and auctionsModel boat racingVolvo Ocean Race Experience boat simulator and Grinding ChallengeMarkets and exhibitions - food, arts and crafts

30 May-1 June

In Port Racing WeekendLive action viewing from Salthill PromenadeLate entertainment with local and international bandsFood and wine fair - flavours of Galway and beyond

2-4 June - Midweek Entertainment

On-water activities including sportsboat regattas, special interest boats and 'Come and try Sailing' eventFood and wine fairMarkets and exhibitions - food, arts and craftsVolvo Ocean Race Experience boat simulator and Grinding Challenge

5-6 June

Departure WeekendFireworks spectacularHeadline act concertDeparture of race yachts and 'Parade of Sail' spectacularFarewell celebration in race village Saturday 6th Food and wine fair 

 

More information is available on the Volvo Ocean Race website