IRELAND’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race is due to be lifted out of the water tonight and put on display to the public – and potential buyers – at Galway’s Atlantaquaria in Salthill.
The 70ft yacht, built in China at a cost of more than €4 million, made a discreet return to its home port last week and berthed in Galway docks.
Its new dry land “berth” outside the aquarium will facilitate viewing by the public as part of an initiative to contribute funds to the project and generate interest in its sale, according to Liam Twomey of the Atlantaquaria.
Though it cannot be categorised as one of the aquarium’s marine species, its migratory passage around the world is “something we should all be proud of,” he said. “The crew has dispersed but the spirit of the Green Dragon lives on.”
The yacht returned to Ireland from Russia last weekend and was skippered on a northabout passage from Dún Laoghaire by Johnny Mordaunt, who was engineer/mechanic on the Green Dragon shore team and participant in three previous Volvo Ocean races.
The Irish entry was fifth in the round world race overall. The hull, gear and equipment and two rigid inflatable boats are now up for sale as a “ready to sail” package at a cost of €2.5 million – just over half the construction cost.
Next month Belfast is hosting the Tall Ships race, which began in Vigo, Spain in May. It is expecting up to half a million visitors for its festival from August 13th to 16th.