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.

TG4 have announced that the station will broadcast the 2008/09 edition of the Vendée Globe Non-stop around the world Sailing Race, starting Thursday 9th July at 7:30pm. The six-part documentary series includes on board footage filmed by the sailors themselves, 3D animations showing their progress around the globe and highlights from the other competitors in this extraordinary race that as ever, lived up to its billing.

In solo ocean racing the Vendée Globe is the greatest challenge. In the most recent edition of the race, 19 of the 30 skippers who started the race failed to finish.

The ‘Everest of the Seas’, the 2008/09 edition of the Vendée Globe lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s toughest sporting challenges. The race started on the 9^th November and saw major rescues in the Southern Ocean, where skippers faced the most treacherous waters on the planet.

In theory, the Vendée Globe is an utterly simple affair – a sailing race around the world, for singlehanders, without any stopover. The race has impressed the maritime world and the public in general, to the point where even the strongest superlatives seem unable to define it.

It was decided that the next thing to do was attempt the record for Round Ireland. The Team are planning to attempt the run using their Humber 8,5m Offshore RIB “Wolf” which was one of the boats that completed the Round Britain Race.

There is some work required to prepare the boat so that it has a real shot at the record. Something was mumbled about a new engine and some re-design work required on the console but the Team are keeping their cards close to there chest right now.

Click on the piucture for a 3D model of the boat

Click here for full details

Click here for full details of the RIB championship

Just to let you know that the Irish Boat Jumble is on in Carrickfergus Sailing Club, Co. Antrim, on the 5th April 2009.

“If you do it in, on or under the water there is sure to be a new or used Bargain:

Chandlery, Fishing Tackle, Water Ski, Sub Aqua, Canoeing, Rope, Paint, Varnish, Anti Fouling, Dinghies, Tools, Covers, Sails, Clothing, Electronics, Flags, Boats, etc”

For Further information:

Tel: 07721 888 789 or Email: john.boatjumble@btinternet.com

Windsurfing 2008 National Champions

Oisin Van Geldren—Wave Champion

Pearse Geaney—Slalom Champion

John Kenny—Speed Champion

 ISA Youth Sailor of the Year 2008 

 Philip Doran (Courtown Sailing Club), the Under 16  Laser 4.7 World Champion