Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09: The Cat Pounces

The Cat Pounces - Puma Wins (Copyright 2009 Sailpix Ireland)

 

Puma won the in-port race series in Galway yesterday (30 May) after two thrilling races were held on Galway Bay. This is the first time that Puma has been on top of the podium for the Volvo Ocean Race and it brings her closer to second place in the overall standings.

Sadly Green Dragon didn't breathe fire on the day but I was glad to see Puma finally live up to their pre Volvo Ocean Race expectations. Though easy to say in hindsight, there genuinely was a palpable sense even before the racing started that Puma was going all out to win this one. The harmony between Ken Read the skipper, crew and boat was a sight to behold. The result of their combined efforts placed them deservedly at the top of the podium for the day's racing.

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009
Galway Stopover - Inshore Race 1 Photo Gallery HERE

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009
Galway Stopover - Inshore Race 2 Photo Gallery HERE

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 comes to Galway

Green Dragon arriving in Galway (Copyright 2009 Sailpix Ireland)

 

The Volvo Ocean Race arrived in Galway at the weekend in spectacular style. Spent the early hours of Sunday morning 24 May 2009 with the many thousands who awaited the arrival of the race fleet and boy did the event live up to all the hype - and more! An online photo album to follow.

Had the very great pleasure of meeting 'THE MAN' near Spanish Arch in Galway on Sunday afternoon. For someone of his legendary sailing achievements I found Torben Grael to be quite friendly and approachable and completely devoid of any airs or graces. He even posed for a few photographs!

So get down to Galway during the race stopover and bring all the family. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. To find out what's happening, visit the dedicated Galway Stopover Website HERE

Map HERE

The Ferry 'LORELEY'

The Ferry Loreley, Waterford Castle (Copyright 2009 Sailpix Ireland)

 

The ferry LORELEY (nearest to camera) majestically links The Island, home of Waterford Castle, to the mainland via the 'King's Channel', River Suir, Waterford.

Map HERE

ISORA (Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association) Race 2 and Lee Overlay / RAYC Offshore Series

Offshore Racing: Team Windmill - IRL 8088 (Copyright 2009 Sailpix Ireland)

 

ISORA (Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association) Race 2 and Lee Overlay / RAYC (Royal Alfred Yacht Club) - Captain's Trophy Race: Dun Laoghaire to North Arklow and return (52 nautical miles).
Seen above is Team Windmill - IRL 8088, RStGYC, (J109), which (having rounded the mark) made the call to head inshore to avoid the main flow of the ebb tide. 

Photo Gallery HERE

Oyster Farming at Woodstown Bay, Waterford

Oyster Farming, Woodstown Bay (Copyright 2009 Sailpix Ireland)

A Labour of love?

Oyster Farming at ebb tide - Woodstown Bay, Waterford Estuary, on St. Valentine's Day.

14th February 2009.

Map HERE