Volvo Ocean Race is in full throttle in Galway. The two week event has generated massive interest amongst locals and visitors alike with over 10,000 spectators astonishing the arriving teams with their hearty welcome and renditions of ‘Galway Girl’ and ‘The Fields of Athenry’ in the early hours of the morning . Welcome bonfires lined the coast from the Aran Islands, guiding the teams into the bay while hundreds of cheering boats lined the route willing them on to victory. Welcome bonfires lined the coast from the Aran Islands, guiding the teams into the bay while hundreds of cheering boats lined the route willing them on to victory.
Ericsson 4 were first to arrive at 02:54, local time followed by PUMA at 03:19 and the Irish entry Green Dragon clenched third coming in at 03:31 with fireworks and flares marking the arrival of each boat. The spectacle continued on the harbour where Arcana performers lined the walkway for the crew and percussionists beat their drums throughout the night and long into the morning. The party continues in Galway amidst beautiful sunshine.
See below the link to the actual race website - www.volvooceanrace.org/news/article/2009/June/1-GALWAY-PRIZEGIVING/index.aspx
As the only stopover during the race in Ireland or the UK, the potential economic impact will be significant for Galway. An impact study carried out by Deloitte in April last year predicted that there would be over €35m direct return on the initial investment. In fact, almost €44m, in both direct and indirect economic impact, is predicted overall as a result of the Galway stopover.
Beyond the feel-good factor, Shaun Quinn, CEO, also stressed the significant tourism and commercial benefits that the event will bring.
“The Volvo Ocean Race will attract the biggest audience for Irish tourism since the Ryder Cup in 2006. The stopover is just the latest in a series of major world sporting events which we have attracted to Ireland under our International Sports Tourism Initiative and, indeed, when it comes to attracting such big name events, Ireland very much punches above its weight internationally.
With a predicted 140,000 visitors to Galway and a further total global audience of millions watching, the event will create an opportunity for extensive media coverage and provide a fantastic shop window to showcase Ireland as a versatile and high quality holiday destination.
A successful festival over the next two weeks will further increase Ireland’s chances for hosting future world class sporting events.”
A busy schedule of activities and entertainment has been available during the two week festival, many of which are free of charge. Attractions have included street theatre performances, model boat racing, an air display and free concerts by the Hothouse Flowers, Sharon Shannon, Aslan, The Stunning, Kila, The Coronas and Lucia Evans amongst others. Full festival details are available at www.galwayvolvooceanrace.com.
The President Mary McAleese, will perform the official farewell as the boats depart Ireland on Saturday 6th June to head to the next
Opening Ceremony of Volvo Ocean Race Stopover, Galway
Arcana Drummer at Opening Ceremony of Volvo Ocean Race
Floating Swan with Galway Tenors
Green Dragon arrives Galway
Green Dragon Skipper, Ian Walker arrives in Galway with his crew
