Lovespoons and crystalware from mid Wales are the best sellers in Kitcraft on the high street

The sailing boats are worth hundreds of thousands of pounds but are there any advantages to the local economy in attracting a world-wide event to the area?

The streets of the town are adorned with banners and there are model yachts, sails and lifejackets in the shop windows to create a sailing theme to attract the sailing visitors to spend their money.

But how successful have they been?

As well as having a sailing theme in their shop window, Kitcraft on the high street is also exhibiting Welsh products.

Lovespoons and crystalware from mid Wales are the best sellers, says Gwyneth Williams.

"The last fortnight has been very busy, but I can't say that it's the sailing competitions that has caused this."

Dafydd Wigley: Competitions such as these are a great help to market the area

Up until Wednesday afternoon giftshop Mabinogi had received no trade from the competitions, says owner Adrian Jones.

"I hope that they will come here later on in the week," he added.

But the marina is not near the centre of the town; there is a long walk to the shops, and says Adrian Jones; it would have been much better if they had developed the North Quay, which is nearer the town.

But near the marina, things are looking better.

There, to coincide with the event, Business Connect Wales has put a marquee where a 100 companies are exhibiting their produce.

When Wales Online's reporter was there on Wednesday afternoon it was a hive of activity.

But they were not just the sailing crowd; many of them were locals and people on their holidays in the area.

"It was worth coming here," said Mandy Williams, a fashion designer from Blaenau Ffestiniog.

"It is an opportunity to show the clothes that I produce; many have come to see my work and have taken promotional material away with them."

Virginia Teague of Anglesey, who was exhibiting knitwear, was also impressed with the exhibition. "Many people have been here - both locals and visitors. The race provides a focus for people and that's what we need."

Addressing both the visitors and tradespeople was the local member in the National Assembly, Plaid Cymru's Dafydd Wigley.

'Fantastic opportunity'

"There has been over 500 people here already," he said. "It is a fantastic opportunity for local business to take advantage of the event and to publicise their product.

"The event also promotes the area and I have already discussed with the promoters the possibility of them bringing work to this part of Wales.

"Competitions such as these are a great help to market the area and everyone should concentrate on similar events to sell Wales.

Marion Kennedy of Marquessa Collection, Colwyn Bay, agrees with Mr Wigley. "Events such as this put Wales on the map - they make us stand out. They show what we have to offer - and we have such a lot to offer.

"Exhibitions such as this provide contacts for the future, not just for now.

"It is a good PR exercise. This is the best way of marketing the area."

It may be a bit early to say if the One Ton Cup has brought benefits to the surrounding area.

But the hope is that the sailing crowd who have visited Pwllheli from all over the world for these competitions will leave with a favourable impression of Wales and that there will be lasting benefits to the area.