Too close to call as yacht race nears end

The first four boats in the Volvo Ocean race fleet are on course to reach the Aran islands around midnight tonight, as the last leg of the round-world race proves to be the closest in its 39-year history.

However, positions and estimated arrival times were shifting, as the fleet moved up the south-west Irish coast this evening, shadowed by the Naval Service patrol ship LE Aisling.

Lieut-Cdr Brian Mathews of the LE Aisling forecast that the leading pack – Puma, Telefonica, Camper and Groupama - could reach Salthill anytime after 1am, with finishing line marked by the LE Niamh anchored off Mutton island.

During Galway’s first Volvo race stopover in 2009, the fleet swept across the Atlantic on a brisk westerly, arriving just in time for the lock gate opening, and a crowd of 10,000, gathered from 3am in the tidal harbour.

This year, harbourmaster Capt Brian Sheridan may have similar fortune, as lock gates will open just after 2am.

The first four yachts were flying their “kites” or jennakers this evening as they took advantage of south-westerly winds moving through the Blasket Sounds, Lieut-Cdr Mathews confimred.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, with Corkman Justin Slattery on board, and Team Sanya were lying some 19 nautical miles behind in fifth and sixth place respectively at about 5pm.

However, winds were moderating and turning variable, and the lighter winds caused overall race leader Groupama - with Kerryman Damian Foxall as watch leader - to slip back into fourth position.

Race organisers believe that the final result will still depend on next Saturday’s in-port race in Galway bay.

Afternoon sunshine brought out spectators and street entertainers, as the waterfront festival continued in the docks and in South Park – with both locations linked by a temporary footbridge across the Claddagh.

Minister for Marine Simon Coveney, who was due to address a Marine Institute smartocean workshop in Oranmore, postponed his arrival to visit residents and businesses affected by last week's floods in his Cork constituency.

Galway city neighbourhoods have adopted the flags of countries in the 39,000-nautical mile ocean race, with today being deemed Brazil day, while tomorrow is China's turn. The free music programme continues in the dock village tonight.

Follow the race with the livestream above

Out in Lower Salthill, visiting Brazilians could do a double-take. A replica of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue commands an imposing bay view from the rooftop of Galway Business School. The replica was sculpted by artist Macdara Lambe.

For a full programme of shore and sea events, see www.volvoceanracegalway.ie