Galway, whose twin town is Lorient, has fought an intense contest against the other bidding ports to win back the event for a second edition and the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 will complete its lap around the globe in Ireland’s ‘cultural heart’, where the final prizegiving will be held.

“Given its economic benefits and its importance to Irish tourism, I am more than happy to welcome the return of the Volvo Ocean Race to our shores and pledge our support for the event”, says Brian Cowen, prime minister of Ireland.

“The interest in hosting the Volvo Ocean Race, particularly in Europe, has been quite overwhelming,” said Volvo Ocean Race CEO, Knut Frostad, as the last of the European ports was unveiled.  “I am very proud to confirm Ireland’s participation and Galway will be a magnificent port to stage the finish of the event.  We have already experienced the enthusiasm that abounds in Ireland for the race and we are looking forward to bringing the competition to its conclusion in a country that really knows how to celebrate,” he said.

This announcement completes the list of European cities hosting the event.  The remaining ports will be introduced throughout March.

For full story, please visit the Volvo Ocean Race official web site.