Come to the Galway Volvo Ocean Race Festival on Bank Holiday Monday 01 June at 11am and find out how some of the top names in the Volvo Ocean Race started their careers as professional sailors.

You may even win an exclusive opportunity to escort the skippers to their boats during the departure ceremony on Saturday 06 June 2009.

Top Irish sailors Justin Slattery who won the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006 and Damian Foxall who won the Barcelona Round the World Race in 2008 will be there alongside Green Dragon skipper double Olympic medallist Ian Walker and a number of other sailors from the competing teams to explain how they got involved in the sport, what training is recommended and advice for the season ahead.

No experience is necessary - so if you have never been on a boat before you are very welcome to come and learn from these top sports stars.

All juniors (under 18) attending the seminar will be given a ticket to enter a draw to escort the skippers to their boats during the departure ceremony on Saturday 06 June. Four numbers will be picked during the seminar for a unique opportunity to participate in this historic moment.

The ‘Meet the Sailors' seminar will be held on the Topaz Main stage in the race village, weather permitting. If conditions are inclement it will be held in the Galway Pavilion, please check at Information for arrangements on the day.

This seminar is part of the HB Lets Do It Ocean Adventure education programme which aims to teach students about sailing and the maritime through its schools programme www.letsdoischools.com. In addition 10,000 school children will visit the race village during the 2 week event.