Volvo Ocean Race strengthens Galway’s links to Abu Dhabi

Let’s Do It Global has declared the Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover a “great success” that has strengthened the links between Galway and Abu Dhabi.

Five of the teams involved in the epic round-the-world race are now on their way to Sanya, China, having squeezed their way out of the congested Singapore Strait on Monday to face brutal conditions in the South China Sea on the final 1,000 miles of upwind sailing of the second stage of Leg 3.

Sixth placed Team Sanya, which is supported by Discover Ireland, were expected to escape the clutches of the Singapore Strait yesterday, after a near miss with an unlit fishing net on the approach to Singapore.

A spokesperson for Let’s Do It Global, which is responsible for the Volvo Ocean Race Grand Finale in Galway, said that Abu Dhabi and Galway are being brought closer together thanks to the Volvo Ocean Race and an imaginative spin-off programme jointly organised by the Galway Hooker Association and Emirates Heritage Club in the United Arab Emirates.

The Irish Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Ciarán Madden and members of the Galway Hooker Association worked together with the Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Heritage Club to develop the UAE - Ireland Maritime Cultural Exchange Programme. 

With both cities hosting a stopover for the gruelling 39,000-mile round the world “Everest of Sailing” in 2012, the initiative celebrates common ties between the two.

“The Maritime Cultural Exchange Programme is a very small part of the Volvo Ocean Race event, but one that has caught the attention of international media and the general public. It is hoped that this will be a model for development of similar events in future, drawing on sailing as the catalyst to bring different cultures together,” the spokesperson said.

The Royal Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club hosted a traditional race between the Arab Dhows and a Galway Hooker as part of the Volvo Ocean Race on water activities in Abu Dhabi.

Majed Ateeq Almehairi of the Royal Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club presented the foot long Gold Dhow Trophy to the UAE - Ireland Maritime Cultural Exchange delegation. The trophy is a replica of their larger 60-foot Dhow, which is used by local sailors for traditional racing. 

The Royal Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club trained Galway men how to rig and sail the 22 foot Arab Dhow boats. The return exchange will happen when the Volvo Ocean Race reaches Galway in July. An amazing spectacle of six Dhows and 60 Emirati crewmembers will take part in an exhibition race against a fleet of Galway Hookers as part of the Volvo Ocean Race Grand Finale, which takes place from 30 June to 8 July.

For more details on the Volvo Ocean Race Grand Finale, visit www.volvooceanracegalway.com.