Galway, in the west of Ireland, is gearing up for one of the biggest parties in its history, when the Volvo Ocean Race stops over there from May 23 to June 6.
Famous for its festivals, such as the Galway Oyster Festival and the Galway Arts Festival, it has a packed schedule of events planned for the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected over the fortnight. Over 500 boats will be in the harbour to welcome the yachts, which include Irelands Green Dragon.
Contested by the fastest yachts in the world, the Volvo Ocean Race has few equals in team sports for endurance or skill. Professionals endure months of challenging conditions, including mountainous waves and storms along the race route of over 39,000 nautical miles. Having set off from Spain in October 2008, the yachts are already well on their way.
Along with the in-port racing, events include live music from national and international bands, street theatre, an official race village opening, food and wine fairs, sports boat regattas, boat shows, angling exhibitions and a Parade of Sail spectacular!
The most intense racing of all, however, is the in-port racing at stopovers such as Rio, Boston, and Galway where 20 per cent of the total points on offer are up for grabs.
