Irish Slalom Series Show – Volvo Ocean Race Stopover Galway

Ireland’s top slalom sailors headed west for a two day invitational slalom event on the Galway promenade from 23rd to 24th of May 2009. The event was supported byDiscoverIreland.ie and was part of the on water activities programme of the Volvo stopover. 

 

Saturday morning kicked off with some miserable conditions. The fleet was greeted with cold and wet conditions on their arrival to the beach. Once everyone was rigged the weather began to settle and competitors were rewarded with 15-20 knots of cross-shore wind with plenty of sunshine. Seven hotly contested races were completed on Saturday. With the inner mark set within a stones throw from the main promenade – large crowds gathered to watch the high speed action. Competitors were easily recognisable in their new flashy white DiscoverIreland.ie racing bibs. 

To round off day 1 both Oisin VanGeldern (Current Irish Wave Champion) and Pearse Geaney (Current Irish Slalom Champion) took to the water on some smaller wave kit. The incoming spring tide ensured spectators were treated to some extreme on-water action.

 

On Saturday evening competitors headed to the Volvo Race Village for some entertainment. At 2 am the first of the Volvo Boats – made its approach into Galway Bay. While some competitors were enjoying some well needed rest – others held out to join the 10,000 spectators who stayed out to welcome in the boats. Sunday morning was a much more relaxed affair. Again the conditions were perfect. With seven races in the bag from Saturday it was decided to continue the spirit of the showcase event and allow all sailors to free sail for the afternoon while the results and prize giving were prepared. 

 

Although the event was only a fun one, the high level of competitiveness on the water was rewarded with some excellent prizes. Michael Fitzmons of DiscoverIreland.ie presented the top 3 competitors with engraved pieces of Galway Irish Crystal. All other entrants were rewarded with some small gifts sponsored by Logstrup. A big thank you to Sean & Connie Mulryan for providing the competitors with food for the weekend. Also to Alessia Stocca who made competitors earn their lunch with back to back racing all day – despite whining requests for a rest!

 

Overall Result:
1. Pearse Geaney
2. Oisin Van Gelderen
3. Maurice Owens
4. Danny Mulryan
5. Hannes Louet Fessner
6. Fintan Day

 

 
The next event: Round 3 of the Irish Slalom Series at Jamie Knox Watersports June 13th/ 14th – More info @ Irishslalom.ie