The Even Keel Project – Galway Volvo Ocean Race Stop-over, 2009

On 23^rd May 2009, a fleet of six Artemis 20 boats arrived in the heart of Galway Quay for the Volvo Ocean Race stop-over. Approximately a quarter of a million visitors descended upon the Irish west coast port during this prestigious two-week event, and the Even Keel team’s visit proved to be a resounding success.

The Even Keel Project's philosophy stems from the importance of accessibility, the idea of breaking down barriers and creating fun and functional ways of increasing participation and highlighting the fact sailing can provide an environment whereby disabled and able bodied sailors can compete together and on a level playing field - or an even keel - even at Paralympic level. It can provide a valuable resource for many groups and purposes such as rehabilitation programmes, training venues for potential Paralympians as well as existing athletes who wish to train in a competitive environment. It is hoped that at least 10 Even Keel sites will be set up in order to provide sustainable sailing opportunities to a large number of disadvantaged and disabled individuals around the world.

Many clients who came to sail during the event had never before enjoyed the opportunity to experience water-based activities, and the Artemis 20s proved to be the perfect introduction. The boats can be modified for almost any type of disability, and with the characteristics of a contemporary AC boat, they can race at 18 knots in 20 knots of breeze. Following their sailing experience with the Even Keel team, the majority of clients expressed a keen interest in taking up sailing as a hobby or sport. Local sailing clubs in the area, such as Bow Waves Sailing and Powerboat School, have subsequently confirmed an increase of enquiries about sailing lessons from people with disabilities.

More experienced sailors also came to Galway to sail on the Artemis 20s. John Leane and Amy Kelehan of the Paralympic Sailing Team made these statements after their experiences on the boats:

John Leane: “I've enjoyed them a lot.  They are very good, easy to use and are probably the quickest I have been on so far. These have a nice design and they are definitely a step up."

Amy Kelehan: "They are very interesting. It is very easy to steer, which my other boat, a Skud 18, is not. This is very responsive, helping with manoeuvres, and they accelerate very fast."

Amy sails with one of the Telefonica crew members

Gary Allen, disabled member of Galway Sailing Club, also praised the Even Keel Project: “This project is phenomenal and vital for the promotion of disabled sailing, particularly in Ireland and Galway and ultimately worldwide.  The most important thing is that you are the same as everybody else when you are sailing. It makes a pleasant change from some of the other sports where you are separated by necessity ...  It is something that we have been looking forward to in Galway for two years now.  To sail with someone like Ian Walker is mind blowing to be honest. I wasn't expecting it and I can hardly believe it has happened.”

Gary sails with Ian Walker, Skipper of the Green Dragon

One of the Even Keel Project’s main aims was to raise awareness of disabled sailing opportunities to people across Ireland. The general feedback was excellent, and a high level of awareness was created through media outlets such as RTE 1 Television and local, regional and international radio and press reports. As well as raising the profile of disabled sailing and providing a valuable sailing opportunity for disadvantaged children, adults, charities, organisations and schools in the area, a major advantage of the Project is its ability to generate revenue at each site. Visitors and clients arrived from all over Ireland in order to experience sailing on the Artemis 20s, and to enjoy the many great restaurants, bars and hotels that the town has to offer. 

Captain Brian Sheridan, Galway Harbour Master, made the following statement in praise of the Even Keel Project: 

“The Even Keel project was a tremendous and positive addition to the carnival of sailing that was the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover in Galway. The project brought joy and excitement to so many Galwegians, young and not so young who otherwise would have not been able to gain access to the sea and be able to explore its many avenues of delight and sheer adventure.  I applaud Even Keel for providing a mechanism for simply getting out on the water.”

The Even Keel Team would like to express their sincere thanks to all those individuals who made their visit to Galway such a success.