More than 1,200 sailors in 250 boats are expected to flock to the River Clyde this weekend to take part in the Commonwealth Flotilla.

The Scottish branch of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is calling for spectators to come out in force to
support the event, which will see the largest collection of boats ever assembled on the River
Clyde.

If your boat isn’t one of the 250 registered to
take part, there are still lots of other chances to
get
involved and enjoy this historic occasion.

It is still possible to join the
flotilla onboard Clyde Cruiser passenger boat, watch shore-side in
Greenock or at the Glasgow Riverside Museum or even sign up as a
volunteer for the event.

The flotilla will leave Greenock at 10am and travel 17 nautical miles to Pacific Quay (next to BBC and Glasgow Science Centre) on Saturday 26 July. 

Spectators are urged to get to Greenock for about 9am to give the flotilla a good send off. The best viewing point is just outside the Beacon Arts Centre where there will be a big screen and live commentary.

Another dedicated
spectator area will be set up at the
Riverside Museum in Glasgow, with activities held from 11am until 3pm. The flotilla boats are expected to arrive from 1pm.

RYA
Scotland CEO James Stuart said: ‘The response we had from people wanting to
take part in the flotilla was overwhelming, and we want as many people as
possible to join us.’

Glasgow
Commonwealth Games

The
Commonwealth Flotilla will commemorate the start of the Glasgow
Commonwealth Games, which runs from 23 July to 3 August.

The Glasgow
2014 Cultural Programme is a key part of the Games experience for spectators
and visitors.

Running until the end of August 2014, it will showcase the best
of Scottish culture alongside creative work from across the Commonwealth and be
a nationwide celebration of the Games, reaching its peak as Glasgow bursts into
life at Games time.

There are two strands: a Scotlandwide programme called
Culture 2014; and a Games-time celebration in Glasgow running alongside the
sporting action called Festival 2014.

You can join the event on Facebook or follow it on
Twitter (@Flotilla2014) for all the latest updates.

Find out more at: www.flotilla2014.org.uk