The 45,000 nautical mile Volvo Ocean Race, one of the biggest and most challenging maritime races, is stopping in Wales for the first time.

Volvo Ocean Race by Gilles Martin-Raget / Team Alvimed

Cardiff is the 10th stop on this year’s around the world race, which began on 22nd October 2017. The race will be in Cardiff Bay from 8th to 10th June and is accompanied by a nautical festival, giving visitors an opportunity to get involved with sailing and to enjoy the location and entertainment. There are free water sports activities, a racing experience, circus acts, musical performances and more.

“This will be the first time since 2005-06 that the UK has hosted a stopover and we are delighted to be here in the country’s sporting capital,” says Karin Backlund, Commercial Director of the Volvo Ocean Race.

“Many people have forgotten that this race started and finished in the UK for the first seven editions, so this makes Cardiff the third city in Britain [after Portsmouth and Southampton] to host the race. This is undoubtably the start of a very exciting stopover and we look forward to seeing what Cardiff and Wales has in store for the Volvo Ocean Race.”

Competitors too are from all over the globe and Welshman Bleddyn Môn is racing for the Turn the Tide on Plastic team. The team hopes to raise awareness about the damage caused by plastic pollution in the world's seas and oceans and is conducting research.  

Bleddyn Môn 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.”

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, added: “It’s great news for Cardiff that the Volvo Ocean Race will be stopping there this week. It is only the third time that the UK has hosted the race, so it is a fantastic achievement for the city.

“Wales boasts some of the best coastline and some of the most amazing lakes in the UK and there are a number of first class sailing and water sports venues around the country. This includes Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula and Lake Bala in North Wales, as well as Milford Haven Waterway and the Gower Peninsula in South Wales.”

Sailing fans in Wales are also looking forward to the return of the Extreme Sailing Series, which takes place in Cardiff Bay from 24th to 27th August 2018. Again, this is the UK's only stop and the last destination before the race continues in San Diego, USA. Established in 2007, the Extreme Sailing Series is a stadium racing experience which takes place on short, fast courses close to shore.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor made tour of Wales, or indeed the rest of the UK and Ireland, taking in some of the best sailing and water sports locations, please do contact our friendly team today.