SHE will make a spectacular sight at the climax of one of the biggest parties in Southampton for years.

Helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious will follow yachts competing in the 2011 Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race as they sail to the start line on Sunday.

Alongside and behind will be a flotilla of spectator boats as the parade of sail makes its way out of Southampton Water to the historic Royal Yacht Squadron line.

The 22,000-tonne Royal Navy vessel, known as Lusty, will cruise into Southampton docks on Saturday and berth in the QE2 terminal ready to take its position the following day at 2.30pm.

The ship will arrive amid a three-day sailing and free entertainment extravaganza in Ocean Village, the hub of the send-off celebrations expected to draw more than 100,000 revellers.

Ten 68ft yachts will sail in on Thursday and then take centre stage in the marina, as crews from 40 countries make preparations for their 40,000-mile global circumnavigation.

Taking to the stage in the evenings during the three-day party will be indie bands Toploader, known for hits like Dancing In The Moonlight, and Southampton band Delays plus popular girl band Parade.

Lining the quayside will be family fun, including dance bands, circus skills and pirate workshops plus loads of food and drink stalls.

Commanding Officer of HMS Illustrious, Captain Jerry Kydd, said: “The Clipper Race stands for much of what the Royal Navy and Royal Marines hold dear: personal determination and fortitude, in dangerous and demanding conditions, where teamwork, resilience and a winning spirit overcome any challenge the crews may face on their adventure.”

Sailing legend Sir Robin Knox- Johnston founder and chairman of the Clipper Race and the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world, said he was pleased the Royal Navy had deployed one of its premier ships.

He said: “The Clipper Race has always had a very strong relationship with the Royal Navy and I am very pleased to welcome HMS Illustrious for the start.

“She is part of the large maritime community of the south coast and I am very keen that as many members of that community as possible are able to enjoy this event which promises to be a quite spectacular sight.”

The carrier is fresh from a 16- month re-fit in Rosyth, Fife, which included its flight deck being converted into a helicopter platform and is due to head out to support operations in Libya in the coming days.

The ten clipper yachts, all bearing the name of the city, country or company they represent, will slip into Southampton Water on Thursday ready for the start of the longest race of its type.

On the Saturday the festival will be in full swing with music, food and drink, turning the marina into an atmospheric arena ready for the big send off of the yachts on Sunday.

The teams will step up on to the stage for an emotional departure ceremony followed by the traditional fleet blessing.

A parade of sail will begin at Mayflower Park, making its way to the marina, where the clippers’ colours will be flying as the boats slip from their moorings.

The festival is expected to generate an economic windfall of £10m for the city.