Volvo Ocean Race Final Port Announced

The upcoming Volvo Ocean Race, due to start from Alicante in Spain in the autumn of 2011, will make its last stop in Galway, Ireland, Volvo announced today. The decision was taken due to the success recorded stopover in Galway during May 2009, with over 600,000 supporters visited the race village during the stopover.

"The 2009 stopover in Galway made an abiding impression on the sailors, support crews, organisers and media, who were immersed in the warmth of an Irish welcome,” stated Brian Cowen, the prime minister of Ireland. "Given its economic benefits and its importance to Irish tourism, I am more than happy to welcome the return of the Volvo Ocean Race to our shores and pledge our support for the event".

Galway's ‘home town boat', Green Dragon, became Ireland's second entry in the race last ear. Double Olympic medallist, Ian Walker, guided the team to a fifth place finish overall and claimed the third spot on the podium.

"The interest in hosting the Volvo Ocean Race, particularly in Europe, has been quite overwhelming," said Volvo Ocean Race CEO, Knut Frostad. "I am very proud to confirm Ireland's participation and Galway will be a magnificent port to stage the finish of the event.  We have already experienced the enthusiasm that abounds in Ireland for the race and we are looking forward to bringing the competition to its conclusion in a country that really knows how to celebrate," he said.

This announcement completes the list of European cities hosting the event. The remaining ports will be introduced throughout this month.