An economic impact analysis delivered by Deloitte reported a significant economic impact of €55.8m, the highest recorded at a Volvo Ocean Race stopover port and comparable to the Race departure from Galicia, Spain in 2005 was achieved. This impact was 30% greater than projected figures from the advance report commissioned in 2007 despite the fact that spend per head estimates were lower than anticipated due to the economic climate. Spend of €36.5m by non-local spectators provided a real boost to the local tourism sector.

The Galway stopover was characterised by large daily attendances at the Race Village facilitated by a festival offering over 100 free events for spectators in addition to the sailing activity. There were race village attendances of at least 30,000 on 6 days, three of which involved no racing activity.