In just over three weeks, thetoughest and most prestigious sailing series will arrive in Cardiff and ABP South Wales has been named a presenting partner as the global sporting event makes its first visit to Wales.
ABP South Wales, owner and operator of the port of Cardiff, has worked in partnership with Cardiff Council and Welsh Government throughout the project, assisting in the bidding process and helping facilitate the delivery of the event.
The fleet, which are expected to arrive on Monday 28th May following a 2,900 nautical mile voyage from America across the Atlantic, will remain in Cardiff Bay for a two week stopover before moving onto Gothenburg and The Hague for the final legs of the race.
During this time, Cardiff Bay and the newlydevelopedAlexandra Head will be transformed into an impressive race village, hosting a free festival of live entertainment and music, water-sports, Volvo Ocean-Race themed attractions and food, drink and trade stalls. The ABP Educational Classroom will be on site, welcomingschool children and engaging them in environmental issues.
The site will also hostThe Boatyard, a comprehensive maintenance facility which provides essential repairs to the yachts. Members of the public will have the opportunity to see the thrashing the vessels encounter during the race and the specialist work that goes into ensuring they are inperfect race condition at each stopover.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Peter Bradbury said:
“ABP have played an integral part in securing and delivering this international sporting event and I am delighted to have them as named sponsor.Partnerships like these are essential so that Cardiff can continue hosting and delivering global sporting events which generate a substantial economic boost for Cardiff and Wales’ economy.
“The race village will be a leading tourist attraction for sailing enthusiasts, families and visitors to the city, offering a fortnight of first-class entertainment. It will also be the first time members of the public will have access to the Port, giving a unique opportunity to see our city’s working dock.
“As the event draws closer,we look forward to welcomingVolvo Ocean Race to Cardiff andthousands of new visitors to Wales, who are set to experience a vibrant capital city and a nation with a rich and diverse cultural heritage.”
Matthew Kennerley, Director, ABP South Wales said:
“We have worked closely with Cardiff Council and Welsh Government over the past couple of years to bring the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race to Cardiff. We are delighted that all the hard work has paid off, and are looking forward to welcoming the racing teams and their yachts to Cardiff later this month.”
” We are also looking forward to welcoming thousands of school children to theABP Educational Classroomfor them to learn all about the Volvo Ocean Race, the maritime environment, and the issue of ocean plastics.”
The Port of Cardiff has expertise in the handling of steel, forest products, and bulk cargoes. It encompasses an area of 852 acres and handles around 1.7 million tonnes of cargo every year, contributing more than £120 million to the UK economy each year and together with customers supporting 2000 jobs.
ABP South Wales’ encompasses the five ports of, Newport, Cardiff, Barry, Port Talbot and Swansea. It handles over 12 million tonnes of cargo and contributes £1.4 billion to the UK economy every year, supporting 15,000 jobs in the region.
Cardiff is the ninth leg of the45,000 nautical mile race. For more information about Volvo Ocean Race go towww.volvooceanracecardiff.com
