Get on board for adventure
Yachts racing around the world as part of the Volvo Ocean Race arrive in Cardiff this weekend for a two-week stopover and there will be plenty of celebrations.We find out more
THE Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s toughest and most prestigious sailing event and now the yachts taking part are heading to Cardiff, enhancing its reputation as a maritime city across the world.
This is the first UK visit in 12 years for a race that started life in 1973. It will bring a significant financial boost to the Welsh economy in the Visit Wales designated ‘Year of the Sea’.
What is the Volvo Ocean Race?
The 45,000 nautical mile Volvo Ocean Race set out from Alicante last October, journeying across the great oceans with stopovers in some of the most famous maritime destinations such as Hong Kong, Cape Town and Auckland. When it leaves Cardiff, it moves on to Gothenburg and The Hague for its finale at the end of June.
When will the fleet be in Cardiff?
They are due to arrive in the Welsh capital on Sunday, May 27 and will be here until Sunday, June 10. The Race Village will be open for the two weeks. One of the boats, Turn The Tide On Plastic, is helping to spread the message about the damage caused by plastic in the oceans, and is actually collecting data on microplastics as it voyages around the world.
Among its crew is Welshman Bleddyn Môn, who’s looking forward to coming home.
Bleddyn said: “The Volvo Ocean Race is a huge test of ability and resilience, and it’s been one of the most amazing experience of my life. As a Welshman, it’s terrific that Cardiff is the UK stopover, and I’m so looking forward to catching up with family and friends when we reach Cardiff Bay.”
What is happening during the festival in Cardiff?
There will be a two-week-long free festival in the Volvo Ocean Race Village located near Cardiff Bay Barrage, where visitors will be able to see the boats, and find a variety of racethemed attractions and entertainment on the waterfront, including live music and performances of Lexicon, a contemporary take on circus heritage, created by Cardiff’s own NoFit State and Firenza Guidi.
The festival will have a Welsh flavour, with Welsh producers offering locally-sourced food and drink – from bars offering real ale to the most popular street food vendors.
When is the Race Village open?
It opens on Sunday, May 27 and
Monday, May 28 from 10am to 9.30pm.
It will then be open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 7pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 9.30pm until Sunday, June 10.
When are the race days?
Friday, June 8 - Sky Ocean Rescue InPort Race in the Estuary.
Saturday, June 9 - Pro-Am Race in Cardiff Bay. Sunday, June 10 - The boats will depart Cardiff for Gothenburg, Sweden. Check out the races from the big screens or watch from the barrage embankment on the festival site.
Where exactly is the action taking place?
The Cardiff Stopover will be held in Cardiff Bay, on Alexandra Head (next to the skate park on the Barrage).
Transport information Car parks
Havannah Street (CF10 5SG) Mermaid Quay/Stuart Street (CF10 5BZ)
Pierhead Street (CF10 4PH) Pedestrian/Cycle Route
The site is accessible on foot or by bike from Cardiff Bay. Travel past the Norwegian Church, over the bridge to the Barrage Walkway.
Cyclists must dismount once on the event site and bike racks will be available.
By Train
Arriva Trains Wales have a dedicated shuttle service, between Cardiff Queen St station and Cardiff Bay.
By Bus
The BayCar is an easy way to travel between Cardiff City centre and Cardiff Bay (Barrage Walkway bus stop). Hop on board the number 6.
For public transport information, visit www.traveline.cymru
Water taxi
There is a regular boat service between Bute Park, in the heart of the city and the Bay, operating every half an hour. Visit www.cardiffharbour.com
Volvo Ocean Race facts
The Volvo Ocean Race is held every three years. Each of the entries has a sailing team of between seven and 11 professional crew, depending on the gender ratios, who race day and night for more than 20 days at a time on some of the legs.
No fresh food is taken on board, so the crew lives off freeze-dried fare; they will experience temperature variations from −5 to +40 degrees Celsius and will only take one change of clothes.
Where can I get more details?
Visit Volvooceanracecardiff.com