Ireland's 2009 Green Dragon Volvo Ocean Race boat will sail again in a transatlantic race to promote the work of a non profit organsation.
As our photo above shows the famous Irish vessel has been rebranded as 'Mirpuri Foundation', a research body in aerospace and medical domains. The project for the former VOR yacht is 'just at its begining', according to a spokeswoman, but it already counts the support and sponsorship of the Foundation which Mr. Paulo Mirpuri is president.
The project is designed spread the Mirpuri message across the world with a Portuguese crew as ambassadors prior to a future Portuguese Volvo Ocean Race 2020 project.
A transatlantic crossing is planned for January 29th next year.
Ireland's Volvo 70 finished fifth out of seven entries in the 2009 Volvo Ocean Race.
Attempts to sell Green Dragon for two million euros in 2009 after the race did not materialise. She thenspent some time in dry dock in Galway, rendered obsolete because her hull was heavier and keel lighter than her rivals.
In spite of the disappointing performance the boat was welcomed in to Galway after the 2009 Transatlantic leg by a huge crowd and a week long celebration that has subsequently set the bar for all other stop over ports in subsequent races.
