Volvo Ocean Race reaches Galway

Ericsson 4 has tightened its grip on the Volvo Ocean Race, reaching Galway in the early hours of this morning ahead of the field.

The Swedish entry was welcomed by thousands of people cramming Galway docks following a gruelling transatlantic crossing from Boston.

They completed the course in seven days, seven hours and 33 minutes, just over an hour ahead of its nearest rival, the American-owned yacht Puma Ocean Racing.

Irish entry Green Dragon drew the loudest cheers when it pulled in third.

The Volvo Ocean Race began in Alicante in Spain in October and will conclude in Saint Petersburg in Russia next month.