This weekend has once again put Galway in the map, thousands of people come out to support the fleet racing, the coastline of Galway was packed full of people and the waters full of spectator boats. It shows that every person in Galway, on the west coast and in fact the whole of Ireland have embraced this event. People are coming from far and wide, I spoke to someone on Saturday who had towed his rib all the way from Lymington in the UK! Myself and the others teams are blown away by the reception we continue to get here in Galway. This has been the best stopover by far and I am so pleased to be a part of it. Last night saw the prize giving for Leg 7, it was a fantastic evening, great entertainment showing off the diversity of Irish culture and an opportunity to thank all the people involved in this stopover and thank them for all their hard work. This is a festival, it is to celebrate Ireland, to celebrate Galway and everyone is enjoying being a part of it.
Just as we came into Qingdao in China, our team was taken in and welcomed with open arms. China was an amazing experience and both countries hold a strong culture which is very accessible. Getting into China was crucial to our race, just as getting into Ireland, and on the podium for the home crowd was as well. We are enjoying our time here in our home port and we really hope that the fantastic work that has been done will mean the race will once again return to Ireland.
