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Displaying items by tag: Galway

A full schedule of events is below:

Saturday 05 June Day 1 P1 Superstock Grand Prix of Galway

The P1 Superstock Championship will see some of the UK's biggest thrill seekers tackling the challenging elements of the Atlantic Ocean. Consisting of two race classes, 150 and 300, 14 P1 powerboats will entertain locals, tourists and motor sport fans alike, as they enter into high-stakes speed racing on Galway Bay. Each boat has exactly the same manufactured hull and identical engines, which means that the onus is placed firmly on the skills and nerve of the driver and navigator. Live commentary in Salthill.

1030: Practice Race

1330 and 1415: Race Start 150 Class

1430 and 1515: Race Start 300 Class

1700: Podium prizegiving in the Race Village

Sunday 06 June Day 2 P1 Superstock Grand Prix of Galway

Live commentary in Salthill

1030: Practice Race

1330 and 1415: Race Start 150 Class

1430 and 1515: Race Start 300 Class

1700: Podium prizegiving in the Race Village

Monday 07 June Start of the Around Ireland Powerboat Race and Day 3 P1 Superstock Grand Prix of Galway

The Around Ireland Offshore Powerboat Race requires offshore navigation capabilities combined with rock solid reliability to ensure success. The mix of physical rigour with technical performance is what attracts most people to the event. The ability to endure in an extreme environment is what offshore racing is all about.

0900 Start of the Around Ireland Powerboat Race.

1130 and 1215: Race Start 150 Class (P1 Superstock)

1230 and 1315: Race Start 300 Class (P1 Superstock)

1430 Final podium prizegiving for the P1 Superstock Grand Prix of Galway in the Race Village

Around Ireland Powerboat Race overnights in Killybegs (local festival)

Tuesday 08 June

Galway Powerboat Festival continues in the Race Village 1000 – 1030

Stage 2 of Around Ireland Powerboat Race Killybegs to Belfast. Overnight in Belfast

Wednesday 09 June

Galway Powerboat Festival continues in the Race Village 1000 – 1030

Stage 3 of Around Ireland Powerboat Race Belfast to Waterford. Overnight in Waterford

Thursday 10 June

Galway Powerboat Festival continues in the Race Village 1000 – 1030

Around Ireland Powerboat Race: Layday Waterford. Overnight Waterford

Friday 11 June

Galway Powerboat Festival continues in the Race Village 1000 – 1030

Stage 4 of the Around Ireland Powerboat Race Waterford to Fenit (Overnight Fenit at the Fenit Sea Breeze Festival)

Saturday 12 June P750 Cross border Championships and finish of the Around Ireland Powerboat Race

Galway Powerboat Festival continues in the Race Village 1000 – 1030

1000 Round 1 of the P750 Powerboat Championship

1400 Finish of the Around Ireland Powerboat Race and prizegiving in the Race Village

Jet Ski activity on the bay all day

 

Thirteen thrill-seeking powerboat racing teams will charge into Galway on Ireland’s west coast this week for round two of the Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship. The Galway Grand Prix of the Sea will kick-start the Irish bank holiday weekend celebrations and begin a seven-day powerboat racing festival.The Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship provides the opening act for the nautical extravaganza, which sees the Around Ireland Offshore Powerboat Race headlining a top billing of the finest competitive offshore powerboat racing. 

 

Galway’s unruly Atlantic Ocean coastline will offer a stern examination of the fearless powerboat pilots’ skills with all three days of pleasure navigation racing set to present distinctive demanding conditions.
Following a successful opening event in Penzance, Cornwall, which saw 18,000 people cram onto the only promenade in England’s most south westerly county, spectator numbers for the latest round of the SuperStock Championship are expected to surge past 50,000 for the marine motorsports extravaganza. 
Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship 150 Class leaders Premier Cru are hoping to continue its fine form in Ireland’s capital of entertainment. Pilot John Wilson said: “It was a cracking event to start the season but when the calendar was drafted Galway certainly stood out as the flagship Grand Prix of the Sea. To be invited to open this well respected marine festival is an honour and we will be pushing even harder to win this weekend in front of a passionate powerboat racing crowd.”
Irish eyes will be firmly glued on local entry Green Machine. Piloted by Dublin-based Alan Power, the 150 Class wildcard entry will be challenging Wilson’s Premier Cru and Penzance Grand Prix of the Sea runners-up, Team Fox, for a spot on top of the podium.
Power is looking forward to racing a monohull powerboat in an offshore race for the first time in Galway. He said: “I’m used to racing in catamarans with top speeds pushing 100 mph so I’m expecting an entirely different sensation in Galway. I think the Atlantic Ocean will make it an uncomfortable debut for all of the SuperStock Championship pilots but it’s extremely exciting to have the home support and jump inside the cockpit with an experienced pilot such as Andy Wilby.
“The thrill of the experience to join the UK series as well as the unique proposition to race single manufactured powerboats using identical engines was a test I couldn’t refuse. “
Round two of the Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship begins at the Galway Grand Prix of the Sea on 5-7 June 2010.

 

Galway's National Aquarium is pushing the boat out for World Ocean Day on Sunday, with Bjorn the Polar Bear the main attraction. Bjorn and handler Ursula are among a line-up of special guests that include wildlife filmmaker Vincent Hyland, a diving world record holder, and the Irish Seal Sanctuary. There will be three Polar Bear shows, 11.00, 1.00 and 3.00pm (Tickets will be allocated for each show, early arrival is advisable!) The Aquarium is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm General Admission will apply except for a Special Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) only 25.00 euros Tickets valid all day and include all activities For more information contact us at the aquarium on 091 585100 or email [email protected]

Published in Galway Harbour

Volvo Ocean Race organiser John Killeen is to be honoured by NUI Galway this June with an honorary doctorate.

The Let’s Do It Ireland Chairman, who was responsible for bringing the hugely successful Volvo Ocean Race to Galway, is on a list that includes  Seán Ó’hUiginn, the Irish diplomat and former Ambassador to the US and Germany, VHI chairman Bernard Collins, and Anne Maria Dennison, head of the Irish Countrywoman’s Association.

The ceremony will take place on Friday June 25th.

Killeen is also CEO of the Colas Group, chairman of the Galway Docklands Redevelopment Committee and a former president of the Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineers of Ireland.

 

Published in Galway Stop
Spiddal Sailing Club (Cumann Seoltóireacht an Spidéil) is holding an open day to lure more potential sailors onto the water ahead of the Volvo Oceanr Race's return for 2012. The cumann is throwing open its doors to anyone who harbours an intent to get on the water in the next 12 months, and will welcome newcomers to the club on Sunday afternoon 16 May.

The club is recognised by the ISA, and runs ISA-approved youth training courses for its members every year, ranging from an introduction to sailing to more advanced techniques. Its course programme this year runs from 28 June to 9 July.

Weather permitting, there will be opportunities to try your hand at crewing or helming in Spiddal harbour from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Published in Boating Fixtures
Tagged under

Galway will play host yet again to a major water sport event this June with 3 events in one starting with the PI Powerboat Grand Prix of Galway on the bay 05-07 June, the start of the Around Ireland Powerboat Race on 07 June and the P750 Zapcat Challenge in the Bay 12-13 June. Alongside the activity on the bay, Galway will yet again host a major festival in the Race Village at Galway Harbour and in Salthill with free concerts, amusements, bars, food and crafts.  www.aroundireland.org www.aroundireland.org

Britain’s most exciting new motorsport, the Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship, is the newest addition onto the heavyweight bill for the Around Ireland Offshore Powerboat Race, beginning in Galway Bay on 5 June. Kick-starting the bank holiday weekend celebrations, round two of the 2010 SuperStock Championship will see some of the UK’s biggest thrillseekers tackle the challenging elements of the Atlantic Ocean, which is certain to provide an unforgiving racecourse for the Irish powerboat racing festival.  

"The event will showcase the beauty of the Irish coastline and present our teams with a fantastic opportunity to race in the heart of an effervescent city, watched by thousands of powerboat racing fans.” Stated SuperStock Championship spokesman, Sam Feasey

Bringing additional coverage to Galway, the Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship will be screened on British Eurosport, further highlighting Galway’s credentials to host world class events.

Following on from the success of the Volvo Ocean Race’s stopover in Galway in 2009, Feasey added that Powerboat P1 is confident that its racing fleet will augment Galway’s 

passion and pride for its maritime activity. 

Consisting of two race classes, 150 and 300, up to twenty identical powerboats measuring between 21 and 27 ft respectively, will entertain locals, tourists and motorsports fans for three enthralling races on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  

On Bank Holiday Monday 07 June 2010 at 0900, offshore powerboats will leave Galway Bay in pursuit of the Around Ireland Offshore Powerboat title. The race will circumnavigate the entire coast of Ireland and will be the toughest endurance powerboat race on the International circuit.

The 5 days of racing will be a true test of man and machine and there will be 5 stages with events at each of the stopovers:

Galway to Killybegs (07 June)

Killybegs to Belfast (08 June)

Belfast to Waterford (09-10 June)

Waterford to Fenit (11 June)

Fenit to Galway (12 June) Fenit Sea Breeze Festival will run Friday 11- Sunday 13 June

Onshore in Galway a festival programme of music and entertainment, and food and craft markets will ensure fun for all the family against the backdrop of the programme on the water. Likewise at each of the stopover stages similar festival programmes will greet the race on arrival and ensure excitement and drama for each re-start.

The Galway Race Village will open from 1000 -2230 daily and there is a full programme of entertainment including the now famous Crystal Swing on the main stage on Sunday 06 June at 1730. In total over 20 acts are scheduled to perform over the 8 day festival including - the Cartoon Thieves, the Timber Tramps, Joe Furey and The Hayride and Emmet Scanlan and What the Good Thought

For the finale on 12 June, prepare to be amazed and in awe at the P750 Cross Border Championship and make sure you are at the dock to welcome back the winner of the Around Ireland Powerboat Challenge on Saturday 12 June. 

 

30th September 2009

Ballinduff Bay Watersports Club

Ballinduff Bay Watersports Club

Ballinduff Bay Watersports Club, c/o Keith Collins, Grange, Corrandulla, Co Galway. Tel: 086 601 9862, email: [email protected]

Have we got your club details? Click here to get involved

Published in Clubs

Welcome to the CRYC web site which we hope will be of interest to members and visitors alike. Established in 1864, the CRYC is one of the oldest inland waterway clubs in the British Isles. Located in the centre of Galway City it continues to provide facilities for water-based recreational activity for almost 300 members.

Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club, Earls’ Island, Distillery Road, Newcastle, Galway. Tel: 091 564560, email: [email protected]

(Details courtesy of Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club) 

Have we got your club details? Click here to get involved

Published in Clubs
Page 34 of 34

About The Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney–Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a 'must do' race. The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club co-founded the race in 1968 and 2007 was the 28th Edition. Save for a break between 1984 and 1995 the event has been run annually attracting 25–30 yachts. In recent years, the number of entries has rissen sharply to 68 boats thanks to a new Organising Committee who managed to bring Rolex on board as title sponsor for the Middle Sea Race.

The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions. Equally, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course, taking competitors close to a number of islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the MSR as "the most beautiful race course in the world".

Apart from Turner, famous competitors have included Eric Tabarly, Cino Ricci, Herbert von Karajan, Jim Dolan, Sir Chay Blyth and Sir Francis Chichester (fresh from his round the world adventure). High profile boats from the world's top designers take part, most in pursuit of line honours and the record – competing yachts include the extreme Open 60s, Riviera di Rimini and Shining; the maxis, Mistress Quickly, Zephyrus IV and Sagamore; and the pocket rockets such as the 41-foot J-125 Strait Dealer and the DK46, Fidessa Fastwave.

In 2006, Mike Sanderson and Seb Josse on board ABN Amro, winner of the Volvo Ocean Race, the super Maxis; Alfa Romeo and Maximus and the 2006 Rolex Middle Sea Race overall winner, Hasso Platner on board his MaxZ86, Morning Glory.

George David on board Rambler (ex-Alfa Romeo) managed a new course record in 2007 and in 2008, Thierry Bouchard on Spirit of Ad Hoc won the Rolex Middle Sea Race on board a Beneteau 40.7

The largest number of entries was 78 established in 2008.

Middle Sea Race History

IN THE BEGINNING

The Middle Sea Race was conceived as the result of sporting rivalry between great friends, Paul and John Ripard and an Englishman residing in Malta called Jimmy White, all members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. In the early fifties, it was mainly British servicemen stationed in Malta who competitively raced. Even the boats had a military connection, since they were old German training boats captured by the British during the war. At the time, the RMYC only had a few Maltese members, amongst who were Paul and John Ripard.

So it was in the early sixties that Paul and Jimmy, together with a mutual friend, Alan Green (later to become the Race Director of the Royal Ocean Racing Club), set out to map a course designed to offer an exciting race in different conditions to those prevailing in Maltese coastal waters. They also decided the course would be slightly longer than the RORC's longest race, the Fastnet. The resulting course is the same as used today.

Ted Turner, CEO of Turner Communications (CNN) has written that the Middle Sea Race "must be the most beautiful race course in the world. What other event has an active volcano as a mark of the course?"

In all of its editions since it was first run in 1968 – won by Paul Ripard's brother John, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has attracted many prestigious names in yachting. Some of these have gone on to greater things in life and have actually left their imprint on the world at large. Amongst these one finds the late Raul Gardini who won line honours in 1979 on Rumegal, and who spearheaded the 1992 Italian Challenge for the America's Cup with Moro di Venezia.

Another former line honours winner (1971) who has passed away since was Frenchman Eric Tabarly winner of round the world and transatlantic races on Penduik. Before his death, he was in Malta again for the novel Around Europe Open UAP Race involving monohulls, catamarans and trimarans. The guest list for the Middle Sea Race has included VIP's of the likes of Sir Francis Chichester, who in 1966 was the first man to sail around the world single-handedly, making only one stop.

The list of top yachting names includes many Italians. It is, after all a premier race around their largest island. These include Navy Admiral Tino Straulino, Olympic gold medallist in the star class and Cino Ricci, well known yachting TV commentator. And it is also an Italian who in 1999 finally beat the course record set by Mistress Quickly in 1978. Top racing skipper Andrea Scarabelli beat it so resoundingly, he knocked off over six hours from the time that had stood unbeaten for 20 years.

World famous round the world race winners with a Middle Sea Race connection include yachting journalist Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Les Williams, both from the UK.

The Maxi Class has long had a long and loving relationship with the Middle Sea Race. Right from the early days personalities such as Germany's Herbert Von Karajan, famous orchestra conductor and artistic director of the Berliner Philarmoniker, competing with his maxi Helisara IV. Later came Marvin Greene Jr, CEO of Reeves Communications Corporation and owner of the well known Nirvana (line honours in 1982) and Jim Dolan, CEO of Cablevision, whose Sagamore was back in 1999 to try and emulate the line honours she won in 1997.

THE COURSE RECORD

The course record was held by the San Francisco based, Robert McNeil on board his Maxi Turbo Sled Zephyrus IV when in 2000, he smashed the Course record which now stands at 64 hrs 49 mins 57 secs. Zephyrus IV is a Rechiel-Pugh design. In recent years, various maxis such as Alfa Romeo, Nokia, Maximus and Morning Glory have all tried to break this course record, but the wind Gods have never played along. Even the VOR winner, ABN AMro tried, but all failed in 2006.

However, George David came along on board Rambler in 2007 and demolished the course record established by Zephyrus IV in 2000. This now stands at 1 day, 23 hours, 55 minutes and 3 seconds.

At A Glance - Middle Sea Race 2024

First held: 1968

Organising Authority: Royal Malta Yacht Club

Start

The 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

Grand Harbour, Valletta: seven separate starts, at 10-minute intervals, from 11:00 CEST Saturday, 21 October 2024

Start Line: between the Saluting Battery, Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta) and Fort St Angelo (Birgu)

Various vantage points all around the Grand Harbour, high up on the bastions or at water level. Harbour access for spectator boats is restricted during the period of the start.

Course

Set in the heart of the Mediterranean and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It starts and finishes in Malta, passes two active volcanoes and takes in the deep azure waters surrounding Sicily, and the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, as well as lonelier outposts of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both closer to the African continent than Europe.

Length: 606 nautical miles (1,122km)

Outright Race Record: 33h 29m 28s, Argo, United States, Jason Carroll

Monohull Race Record: 40h 17m 50s, Comanche, Cayman Is, Mitch Booth

Main Trophies

Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy – overall race winner under IRC Time Correction

Boccale de Mediterraneo – winner of ORC category

RLR Trophy – winner of monohull line honours

Captain Morgan Trophy – winner of multihull division on corrected time (MOCRA)

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