Such was the success of the event, that Galway has been chosen as the final of the 10 host ports in this 2011-12 race which should bring almost the entire country to that city for the festival.
The port of Alicante, in Spain, has been chosen to kick start the 2011-12 race on 29th October and the race village has today opened its doors for a three-week fiesta prior to the event.
As in Galway, the 40,000 square metres Race Village is dedicated to entertainment with a programme of concerts, shows, exhibitions, sailing clinics, rides, fireworks and restaurants. Tonight's festivities include a Rolling Stones tribute concert and a huge fireworks display set to light up the skies over the Race Village. The centerpiece of the Race Village will be the six 70ft yachts and crews that will race them 39,000 nautical miles through the world's toughest oceans.
After Alicante, the teams start their 6,500 nautical mile sprint to Cape Town.
Six teams will compete in this, the world's toughest crewed yacht race: Team Telefonica, CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand, Team Sanya, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Groupama sailing team, and PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG Propulsion.
