Ireland's successful bid to host the prestigious international Volvo round-the-world yacht race took another step forward last night when Galway was conferred with official host port status for 2009.
The fleet participating in the 39,000 nautical mile challenge is expected to sail into Galway harbour from Boston in late May 2009, Volvo Ocean Race's chief executive officer Glenn Bourke confirmed in the city yesterday.
He told The Irish Timesthat the proximity of Galway port to the town was a huge factor in the selection and Galway was similar to La Rochelle in France where the race has been routed before. "Salthill is also a tremendous natural spectator gallery for the in-port race," Mr Bourke said.
It will be the first time the multimillion euro event has come to Ireland, as the race has traditionally berthed in Britain, and marks part of a "major re-routing" of the classic race. Ports in the Middle East, southeast Asia, China and India are also being selected, among 11 official stopovers.
John Killeen, the Galway businessman who secured the bid, believes the 10-day berth could generate up to €150 million for tourism in the region. It is anticipated it could attract half a million visitors.
Formerly known as the Whitbread round-the-world yacht race, the Volvo ocean race takes nine months and is held every four years.
Selection of an Irish stopover was dependent on Ireland's ability to enter the race itself, and Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue recently pledged €8 million towards the required total budget of €20 million. The balance will be raised from private sponsorship.
Galway developer Eamon Conneely has expressed his support for the Irish Volvo entry, which will involve commissioning a custom-built craft and selecting an Irish crew.