A YACHT race could bring around 20,000 people to Penarth at the end of this month.

The VOLVO Ocean Race is taking place in and around Penarth and Cardiff Bay from May 27 until June 10.

The race, which started 37 years ago, sees yachts en-route from the Eastern USA towards Cardiff, is expected is to attract crowds of around 150,000 to 200,000 in total, and is an opportunity for people to see the the boats in and around the town. The VOLVO Ocean Race crews will experience

The Penarth Tourism and Visitor Association said the event will be a "great opportunity for Penarth traders".

Anthony Ernest, chairman of Penarth Tourism and Visitor Association, said: "This is an inspirational and exciting event coming to Penarth and Cardiff in the next few weeks, and we are working closely with a number of local organisations to help promote the race to a wider audience in our region.

"These multi-million pound yachts, each sponsored by leading companies and individuals, will be in this area for some 10 days or so, and Penarth has by far the best stretch of coastline from which to watch the races.

"With expected visitor numbers in excess of 150,000, this is a great opportunity for Penarth shops and businesses to bring in both the race staff, who will be looking for relaxation after a hard day's work, as well as visitors to the area who have come down to see the boats, and enjoy the delightful facilities of the Garden by the Sea."

From May 27 the race festival in the bay will begin, and an in-port race will be viewable from Penarth from 2pm on June 8.

There will also be race re-starts viewable from Penarth from 4pm on June 10.

And on June 9 to the 10 the Picnic Penarth event organised by Penarth Town Council will take place on the Esplanade.

The Volvo Ocean Race will be heading from Newport, Rhode Island to Cardiff and Penarth before setting off towards Sweden at the beginning of June.