For more information visit the official stopover site at www.marstrandstopover.se/en/index_en.htm
KEY DATES
Leg 8 was won by Ericsson 4 at 02:57:19 GMT, 11 June 2009 after 04 days 12 hours 57 minutes and 19 seconds of sailing.Leg 9 Start: The fleet departed from Marstrand on Sunday 14 June 2009
DAILY ENTERTAINMENT
The Race Village will be open from 10th to 14th June:
Wednesday 10 June 200910:00 - 22:00 Race Village OpenEstimated yacht arrivals
Thursday 11 June 200910:00 - 22:00 Race Village Open
Friday 12 June 200910:00 - 24:00 Race Village Open14:00 - 15:00 Volvo Open 70 Model Boat Circuit: Find out more about the Volvo Open 70s replica's used in the race
Saturday 13 June 200909:00 - 24:00 Race Village Open
Sunday 14 June 200909:00 - 18:00 Race Village Open11:00 Departure ceremony13:00 Leg start with activities throughout the day. The fleet depart at 13:00
KEY DATES Estimated Yacht arrivals: 10/06/2009 Leg 9 Start: 14/06/2009 1300hrs (Local Time)
Over the centuries, there have been many reasons to travel to the island of Marstrand, off the west coast of Sweden.
The town first attracted attention as a centre for the herring fishing industry in the 1200s, then again in the 16th century. By the 1800s, with those profitable herring gone, the salting houses were transformed into spas and the town became the focus of a new industry, tourism, aided by the cachet of being a favourite royal retreat.
Today, Marstrand still attracts visitors, especially the yachting fraternity in the summer months, when it can seem that every inch of the town is occupied. Yet, despite the hubbub, anyone who travels to this car-free island is seeking a slower pace of life in a pleasing environment, however temporarily, and this quaint settlement of pretty wooden houses does just the trick.
Marstrand is a must-do day trip for visitors to Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg. But that concept can be easily turned around to return the compliment to this busy hub.
Once the centre of Swedish shipbuilding, Gothenburg remains the country’s key port, centre of commerce and most important industrial city. It’s also the largest seat of learning in Scandinavia. The mix creates a vibrant, cosmopolitan air and a growing reputation as a place to find innovative design and fashion.
Carlstens Fastning is a 17th-century fortress that confirmed the Swedes dominance of this area and was soon put to work as a prison. It now provides a glorious vantage point; its round tower offers spectacular views of the surrounding archipelago.
If you haven’t got the puff to climb the spiral staircase 100 metres to the top, admire this mighty castle from ground level, then stroll along the cobbles of Kungsgatan to the St Maria church on the square.
As well as the old there’s the new to admire too. Marstrand is a favourite haunt of artists and there are plenty of galleries to enjoy, exhibiting paintings, photography and crafts. Drop into Studio Mary Carlsson, Marstrands Hembygdsforening and Hantverket vid Fastiningsbacken to see the variety on offer.