The Volvo Ocean Race, Irelands largest sporting event, which will be followed by 3 billion worldwide, will have its grand finale in Galway from the 30th of June to the 8th of July.

The Volvo Ocean Race Grand Finale is set to enthral the city of Galway. The Race fleet will arrive in from Lorient to Galway on the 3rd July, to the biggest festival in Ireland, that will embrace all cultures from each of the race stopovers.

Speaking to Autobiz, Captain Brian Sheridan, Harbour Master said, “with just over 30 days to go to the opening ceremony of the Volvo Ocean Race in Galway on the 30th June, the harbour is at full steam ahead in turning the commercial harbour into a fun, theatrical centre of marine activity that is the Ocean Race. Plans are well afoot to host the world’s largest on water sporting event and gearing up for what promises to be a fun packed and family orientated event, that will see Galway rock as it did in 2009, when it was a stopover port for the Volvo.

He continued, “A ship to carry the 80 containers of equipment for the various pavilions and race teams is due to dock in Galway on the 19th June. From that day onwards, the transformation of the harbour will commence in earnest and will be a hive of activity.”

The Galway Global Village will feature shows, exhibitions, entertainment and an unprecedented Grand Finale to the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012. The In-Port race is on the 7th July, after which the winner of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 will be declared.