“IT WILL be the last time we sail together . . . you want to go home feeling like you’ve had a good day . . . ” The words of round-world skipper Ian Walker in Galway yesterday as the Volvo Ocean Race crews prepared for their final few nautical miles of racing today.
The course set for the in-port race in Galway will lie between Salthill and Mutton Island, according to harbour master Capt Brian Sheridan.
The best viewing points will be from Grattan Road, the Salthill promenade and the Mutton Island causeway. The best transport for visitors will be park-and-ride and bicycle, or Shank’s mare.
“Close quarter” tacking is anticipated during the one-hour race from 1pm, which will be broadcast live to international networks by TG4. It will be followed by a parade of sail, and an Air Corps display with the Naval Service patrol ship, LE Niamh.
An air-sea rescue demonstration will also be staged with RNLI lifeboats and the Coast Guard’s new Sikorsky S-92 helicopter based in Shannon. Some 40 Irish Water Safety-certified lifeguards will assist with safety along the shoreline.
Speaking at a final press conference yesterday, the six Volvo 70 skippers spoke of the warmth of Galway’s welcome, and their future plans.
Walker, skipper of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, and formerly of Irish-Chinese 2008-2009 entry Green Dragon, was a lone voice in admitting that nothing would quite replicate Galway’s 2009 stopover for him.
The next Volvo race may have younger sailors and female crews as the organisation intends to introduce a one-design boat which may help to reduce costs and place more emphasis on sailing and navigation rather than technological skills. Galway is expected to make a bid again, competing with 35 other ports.
Derry is hosting its leg of the separate Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The Clipper fleet of 10 craft will leave Foyle marina at 1pm today for the startline at Greencastle, accompanied by a parade of sail.
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