Galway will be host to the 10th biggest sailing event in the world on 23rd May 2009. Having raced over the Atlantic from Boston, USA, it will have a two week break in Galway before it's next race to Goeteborg, Sweden. The four yearly race, known in sailing circles as The Round the World Race, covers around 39,000 miles in total this year. It will visit around eleven ports in Europe, the Middle East, India, South East Asia, China and the US as well as Scandinavia and Russia.

In-port racing will take place at every port and the Galway docks will soon be being transformed from a mainly fishing and naval dock to host this important global event. A race village is being planned in the centre of the old seafarers' town.

Spectators will marvel at the world's fastest sailing boats which will be moored in Galway. There will be a three day competition in the port and spectators can marvel at it from the prom at Salthill in Galway Bay. The prom is 1.5 miles long and a fantastic vantage point. You can walk to it from the Race Village.

Also planned is a host of food and wine fairs where you can delight in the best of Irish cuisine, interesting exhibitions, fantastic live entertainment, street theatre and a breathtaking fireworks display.

The race commences again on June 6th when the it goes on to Sweden. To be in Galway anytime is enchanting and this nautical event is one not to be missed this year.

To book accommodation in Galway for this event please click on the link below:

VOLVO BOAT RACE - ACCOMMODATION