The world’s biggest sailing event, the 10th Volvo Ocean Race will arrive in Galway for the first time on the 23rd of May 2009. Following the transatlantic leg, racing from Boston, it 
will stay in Galway for a two week stopover before leaving on the next leg to Göteborg in Sweden. The Volvo Ocean race, also known as the Round the World Race, is run every four years and will cover 39,000 miles. It begin in Alicante, Spain and will visit around eleven ports including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, China, India and Boston. In-port racing will take place in all ports as well as the race around the world. The Galway leg of this race begins in June 2009.
Galway's Docks, which is usually occupied by small fishing trawlers, pleasure yachts and the Irish Navy and Coastguard vessels, is in the process of undergoing a major transformation in order to host such a large event. Plans for a Race Village have been prepared and work will commence shortly on the ambitious project which aims to will unite old and new and bring the event right into the center of the lively town.
Spectators will be able to view the fastest sailing boats of the world up close, while these are moored in Galway. 
Among them is Ireland's own Green Dragon, constructed and built in China and financed by Irish and Chinese investors. The weekend from May 30 to June 1 sees a three day in port sailing competition, offering the competitors a chance to gather more points. Spectators can follow the races from the long prom in Salthill, which provides the ideal vantage point as it stretches for about 1.5 miles along Galway Bay and is situated within walking distance from the Race Village.
Countless events are being planned for the big event with food and wine fairs, exhibitions, live music entertainment, street theatre and a massive fireworks display. The Volvo Ocean Race leaves Galway on June 6 for Leg 8, 950 nautical miles, to Göteborg, Sweden. It will continue to Stockholm and finish in St. Petersburg in the end of June.
Volvo Ocean Race Galway - Festival Itinerary
Below is a brief outline of Festival Programme. (Click here for the complete festival programme).
22-24 May - Arrival weekend
- Live music in race village.
- Street theatre and children’s entertainment by day.
- Unique celebrations as each boat arrives.
- Official race village opening ceremony.
25-29 May - Midweek Entertainment
- On water activities including sportsboat regattas,
special interest boats and ‘Come and try Sailing’ event.
- Live entertainment in race village each night.
- Schools visits to race village.
- Art Exhibitions.
- Model boat racing
- Volvo Ocean Race Experience Boat simulator and Grinding challenge.
- Markets and Exhibitions (food, arts & crafts).
30 May-1 June - In Port Racing Weekend
- Live action viewing from Salthill Promenade.
- Late entertainment with local and international bands.
- Food and Wine Fair - Flavours of Galway and beyond.
2-4 June - Midweek Entertainment
- On water activities including sportsboat regattas,
special interest boats and ‘Come and try Sailing’ event.
- Food and Wine fair.
- Markets and Exhibitions - food, arts and crafts.
- Volvo Ocean Race Experience Boat Simulator and Grinding Challenge.
5-6 June - Departure Weekend
- Fireworks spectacular.
- Headline act concert.
- Departure of race yachts and ‘Parade of Sail’ spectacular.
- Farewell celebration in race village Saturday 6th.
- Food and Wine Fair.
- Festival Ends.
