Round-the-world race

The competitors in the Volvo Ocean Race are in Cardiff Bay at the moment and the yachts are being spruced up ready for the next leg to Gothenburg, in Sweden.

The last leg was from Newport to Cardiff, which I thought was rather an unambitious effort by sailors who have visited New Zealand, South Africa, China and other far-flung places since the race started last October.

However, I eventually realised it wasn't Newport, South Wales they had visited - a fiver on the train from Cardiff - but actually Newport, USA, which is a few thousand miles further. I wondered why it had taken these sleek racing yachts nine days!

Today was great fun - lots of food and drink stands, music, film shows, children's activities and, of course, the boats themselves. And all in lovely sunshine.