Galway will once again host competitors in a major sailing event when the Round Britain and Ireland race takes place next year.
Organisers from the Royal Western Yacht Club have selected Galway as one of three compulsory stopovers for the race, which starts May 29 next year.
Regarded as one of the most challenging offshore race in these waters, this 56th edition will have a reduced the number of stopovers, that also includes Lerwick (Shetland Islands ), and Blyth (Northumberland ). Changes have been made to encourage Paris Olympic hopefuls to compete in the 2020 event. 2,000 mile race.
Galway is, of course, well used to major yachting events, having hosted the Volvo Ocean Race on two occasions.
Acting Rear Commodore Oceanic and race director, Adrian Gray says Galway Bay, host of the Volvo Ocean Race stop over and home of the Green Dragon Irish entry, is perfectly placed on the west coast of Ireland to provide a welcome respite before taking on the leg to the Shetland Isles.
“We are excited to announce the new format for this classic, well known race. This new course provides safer harbour entries and a better race balance. The legs will be of a similar length to the 2024 Olympic double-handed offshore event, so it is a fantastic training opportunity for those who have their sights set on Olympic Gold.”
“Galway Bay, host of two Volvo Ocean Race stop overs, is ideally placed on the west coast of Ireland to provide a welcome respite before taking on the leg to the Shetland Isles, he says. The race will benefit from this new stop over and receive the very best Galway welcome as competitors visit the fabulous Galway Bay.”
Commodore Johnny Shorten of hosts Galway Bay Sailing Club, says Galway and Galway Bay have a history of firsts, the landing place for the first flight across the Atlantic, winners of the first All-Ireland Hurling championship, providing the first female orchestra conductor at the Oscar’s ceremony, and hosting the first Irish Volvo Ocean race stopover and finish.
“Now we are proud and excited to be hosting the Round Britain and Ireland race’s Irish stop over for the first time. A warm welcome and great craic is awaiting all involved during the first stopover of the event.”
Galway Harbour Master, Captain Brian Sheridan, says the Galway port is now well used to hosting sailing events.
“We look forward to rolling out the blue carpet when competing yachts arrive in Galway Bay for what I am sure will be a very successful race.”
The first RB&I race took place in 1966, and was originally split into five legs. This year’s event starts on May 29
