The Volvo Ocean Race is set to hit Galway on May 23 and in celebration of this momentous event Galway Volvo Ocean Race will host a 15 day festival extravaganza bringing together music, culture, dance, performers and on-water activities.

One of the many on-water projects is the exciting new Even Keel project, which encourages disabled and disadvantaged sailors to compete on level terms with able-bodied sailors.

Based in Cowes, the heart of one of the world's premier yachting centres, the project is receiving the support of UKSA, a registered charity that inspires people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of yachting and water sports. The charity, which provides sail training facilities and seamanship education through the experience of hard work and play, has been at the forefront of promoting excellence in maritime training for more than 20 years.

As part of their overall strategy, the Even Keel Project is currently seeking to establish similar sites around the world with the aim of providing new opportunities to aspiring sailors, regardless of age, experience, physical ability or background. By removing commonly perceived barriers, the project aims to make sailing available to a far greater audience, none more so than the disabled and disadvantaged community.

The boats, named the ‘Artemis 20', are stunning 6 metre carbon fibre keelboats with America's Cup characteristics, offering high performance racing. It has been specifically designed to be sailed by both able and disabled sailors alike. In ‘seated' mode the forward facing canting seats allow disabled and able bodied sailors to sail the boat in comfort and with the twin removable joysticks, either the helm or crew can sail the boat leaving the other to control jib and spinnaker trimming and spinnaker hoists and drops. A new tank steering system has also been designed that allows an alternate from of steering. A sip puff solution is also available as used by celebrated quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister

In ‘conventional' mode with seats removed the crew sit on the sides as with other boats using a tiller and extension or even a combination of one seat and one on the side. The boats' lines ensure that it is not just seen as ‘ a disabled sailors boat'.

Each site around the world will be provided with a fleet of 6 new Artemis 20 boats, all necessary equipment and on-going technical support so that individuals, groups, charities and other organisations can receive a comprehensive sailing experience completely free of charge. The Even Keel Project will also assist each partnership site in creating an ideal environment in which their members can develop their sailing skills to a competitive level. Significant headway has already been made with popular sailing venues in Sydney, Boston, Valencia and Dubai. It is hoped that Galway will also become a future Even Keel site.

Over 200,000 vistors are expected to converge in Galway over the two week Volvo Ocean Race festival which runs from May 23-June 6. The festival program is comprised of over 100 acts- ranging from music to art, dance, street entertainers, and on-water activities and with all acts and events free of charge, the Galway Volvo Ocean Race Stopover will be the biggest festival to hit Ireland in 2009.

The Even Keel Project will be welcoming sailors of all abilities and backgrounds throughout the summer. Contact UKSA on +44 (0) 1983 203003 or visit www.theevenkeelproject.co.uk
For more information on the Galway Volvo Ocean Race Stopover visit www.galwayvolvooceanrace.com
For Information on the Volvo Ocean Race visit www.volvooceanrace.org