Cardiff pushes the boat out for prestigious yacht race arrivals
AN AROUND-THE-WORLD yacht race is set to arrive in Cardiff for the first time in its 45-year history.
Some of the world’s best sailors are expected to arrive in Cardiff Bay tomorrow after sprinting across the Atlantic during the 3,300-nautical mile transatlantic leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.
The 45,000-nautical mile race is the world’s toughest and most prestigious sailing event. It will be the first time the fleet has visited the UK in 12 years.
The Cardiff Race Village was officially opened by dignitaries on Sunday, and features a number of attractions and events.
The teams left Newport on Rhode Island, in the US, on May 20 and are scheduled to land in the UK during the early hours of tomorrow, depending on sailing conditions.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “I am delighted to open the Volvo Ocean Race Village and celebrate the arrival of some of the world’s best sailors to our shores – especially during the Year of the Sea. I am looking forward to welcoming the crews, their families and visitors to the city for what promises to be a fortnight of first-class events and activities.
“The Cardiff stopover will be a great boost to the Welsh economy and provides another opportunity to further enhance Wales’ positive international profile.
“I’d also like to wish Welsh international sailor Bleddyn Môn a safe journey home – a warm Welsh welcome will await him – and all the Volvo Ocean Race crews.”
Yesterday officials predicted the fleet leaders will arrive in the bay at around 1am tomorrow and 4pm for the last boat, and the public will be able to greet the sailors.
The free-to-enter race village, on Alexandra Head next to the skate park, will be open until June 10 and feature the Volvo Ocean Race cinema, trade stalls and live music.
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.
Welsh sailor Bleddyn Môn, on board Turn the Tide on Plastic, said: “Cardiff is the capital of my home country so I’m looking forward to seeing home.
“I’m really proud to be on my way from Newport, Rhode Island, to Wales, especially with this being such an important leg of the race, with double points up for grabs. This is a big deal for me personally and professionally.”
Leaving Cardiff on June 10, the yachts will head to Gothenburg in Sweden and The Hague for the finale at the end of June.