10 things you need to know about the Volvo Ocean Race

Written by Staff Reporter

Wednesday, 21 May 2008

Eight high-tech, ultra high performance 70-foot yachts will berth and compete in Galway.
The Irish entry 'Shamrock Challenger' will sail around Ireland before leaving for Alicante in October where the race kicks off.
€8 million was set aside by the Government to support the event, which will bring millions of euro in tourist and crew monies to the city and the West of Ireland.
A new development is planned for Galway Harbour in Renmore to facilitate the stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race in May and June next year.
The US boat is sponsored by Puma and was launched by Hollywood actress Salma Hayek.
Spain's two boats in the race are sponsored by MoviStar Mobile and Telefonica.
There will be 12 HD cameras on each of the seven competing boats that will be broadcast live 24 hours a day.
Over 300,000 are expected to arrive in Galway over the course of Volvo Ocean Race two-week stay in the city.
The event has a worldwide audience of 1.8 billion and is expected to generate revenue of up to €100 million in Galway when it arrives here next year.
The Volvo Ocean Race 2009 will make history by being the first race to stop in a Russian port, and will go one better by finishing up in historic St Petersburg.