200,000 visitors, 1000 performers and 200 international media are expected to attend the VOR stopover festival in Galway this month for two weeks of free entertainment, both on and off water.

Experience the VOR through the on-site simulator, go up against the best with the Grinder challenge or relax with a little model boat racing. Visit the sister yacht of Puma’s ‘il Mostro’, you may even get to scale it’s 110ft mast!

On water entertainment includes Even Keel – sailing for people with disabilities, windsurfing and kitesurfing displays, search and rescue simulation by RNLI and Irish Coast Guard, Hooker (traditional Irish fishing boats) racing, Multihull racing and much more.

Festival highlights include:
Arrival weekend May 22-24Galway Bay will be ablaze with traditional welcoming bonfires.
Midweek May 25 – 28will offer a chance for the crews to wind down and relax for the import racing at the weekend as well as gear up and prepare for the final sprint to the finish. A great chance to enjoy the craic on the quay or to explore Galway Bay and Islands.
In port race weekend May 30th & 31stCommences with the Red Arrows Air Display team at noon, followed by VOR in port racing. This is the closest that spectators can get to the action without actually being on board a racing yacht. Try a spot on the Salthill promenade.
Volvo Ocean Race Leg 8 Start Saturday 6th JuneBegins with a blessing of the fleet and departure from dock at 11 am. The start will be at 2.30pm, the last chance to see these yachts as they head towards Scandinavia and the finish in St Petersburg. The final event will be offshore racing with the OSM 100 mile race from Galway to Tralee. The only way to experience this event is on the water, bring your own craft or charter at www.yachtchartergalway.com , also a great source of information on moorings, weather, free charts, local yacht charter and crew placement.

Download the Galway VOR Festival planner 

Photographs by Pat O’ Connor