RYA Scotland launches Commonwealth Flotilla

Glasgow boats dressed overall © Glasgow City Marketing Bureau

More than one thousand people on 250 boats of various shapes and sizes will be delivered to Glasgow as part of the Commonwealth Flotilla, the Royal Yachting Association Scotland (RYA Scotland) has announced.

The Commonwealth Flotilla, which will see the largest number of boats ever assembled on the Clyde, will take place over the weekend of 25-27 July 2014. On Friday 25 July 2014 the boats will assemble at James Watt Dock, Greenock as part of the Homecoming Muster. This will include boats which have travelled from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland to take part in this event. In addition, over 200 young people taking part in the Small Ships Race will return to Greenock via Arran, Portavadie and the Kyles of Bute.

The following morning (Saturday 26 July 2014) the mass Flotilla will make its way on the 17 nautical mile (32km) journey from Greenock to Pacific Quay in Glasgow, adjacent to BBC Scotland and the Glasgow Science Centre.

New pontoons will be installed at Pacific Quay to provide berthing for all 250 boats taking part in the Commonwealth Flotilla.

James Stuart, Chief Executive of RYA Scotland, said: "The Commonwealth Flotilla will be the largest assembly of boats that the Clyde has ever seen, and we want to make sure that as many sailors, non-sailors and spectators have the opportunity to make history by being part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

"The Homecoming Muster and the Small Ships Race will deliver over 250 boats to Greenock, before the mass Flotilla makes its way down the Clyde to Pacific Quay. We estimate that more than one thousand people will make the journey from Greenock to Glasgow as part of the Commonwealth Flotilla, and we know the people of Glasgow will turn out in similar numbers to witness this unique event.

"The Commonwealth Flotilla will mark the culmination of hundreds of journeys to Scotland and Glasgow, and each crew will have their own reasons for making the journey and their own story to tell.

"Already there is strong interest in being part of the Homecoming Muster and Commonwealth Flotilla from people across the UK and further afield, and we expect interest and excitement to build as we get closer to the last weekend in July."

One of the boats which has already registered to take part is the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland's Alba Volunteer.

Nick Fleming, Chief Executive of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, said: "Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is delighted to be part of the Homecoming Muster and Commonwealth Flotilla. As a charity we exist to get more young people involved in sailing and build young people's confidence, respect, responsibility and their ability to work effectively as part of a team. These events will serve as an amazing opportunity to inspire young people through adventure under sail.

"We can't wait to take part and that's why we have already signed up to give young people from across Scotland the opportunity to be part of this historic Flotilla, and to raise awareness of the work we do so that we can provide this opportunity to more young people."

Caroline Packman, Director of Homecoming Scotland 2014, added, "The Year of Homecoming provides a unique opportunity to encourage more and more visitors, both international and domestic to come and enjoy Scotland. Combined with the stellar international sporting events of the Commonwealth Games, the plans unveiled for the Commonwealth Flotilla and the Homecoming Muster will be a stunning and memorable sight for visitors and locals to enjoy."

To download a registration form and for more information about getting signed up please go to: www.ryascotland.org.uk/events/flotilla2014/

For more information you can follow the Commonwealth Flotilla on Facebook and Twitter.