The eighth stage of the Volvo Ocean race has gotten underway from Ireland, Large crowds saw off the 7 teams that started off the 950 sea mile race from Galway to Marstrand. The fleet will head south down the west coast of Ireland, pass inside Fastnet Rock and then across to the English Channel.

China's Green Dragon stands at fifth place in the overall standings. Ericsson 4 is top, 13 minutes faster than the second placed Telefonica Blue.