While the safety of the crews in the Volvo Ocean Race has been paramount this week as the fleet heads to China in torrid conditions, security matters were also on the agenda in Galway as organisers prepare for the May stopover.
Let’s Do It Galway, the organisers of the Galway Volvo Ocean Race stopover, held their first on-water planning meeting at the Galway Harbour Offices.
Chaired by sailing operations manager Jamie Houston, it was attended by harbour master Brian Sheridan, the Garda water unit, the Irish Navy, Irish Coast Guard, RNLI Ireland, Irish Water Safety Association, Galway Bay Sailing Club, and the Civil Defence.
The purpose of these meetings is to ensure the safety of all vessels on the water during the Volvo Ocean Race (May 23 to June 6 ).
It is estimated more than 500 vessels will take to the water during the stopover.