THEY have arrived – now the party begins.

Ten sleek yachts slipped into Southampton last night heralding the start of one of the biggest free festivals in the city in years.

The yachts with crews from 41 nationalities tied up in Ocean Village, which is the hub of celebrations marking the start of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.

A race village has been constructed around the city centre marina with a main stage hosting top music acts while a feast of entertainment lines the historic harbour.

An estimated 150,000 visitors are expected to flock to see the yachts make final preparations for their epic 40,000-mile global circumnavigation.

It is the first time since 2004 that a round the world yacht race has started from the iconic sailing ground of the Solent.

The three-day event climaxes with the spectacular departure of the competing yachts to the starting line of the world famous race.

Helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious and one of the largest spectator flotillas the county has seen in many years will follow.

Today the festival bursts into action starting with a yacht naming ceremony at 10am before a day packed with live acts and other free entertainment.

Indie band Toploader will be headlining on the main stage at 9pm.

Tomorrow the party will be in full swing with popular girl band Parade and Southampton rockers Delays headlining before a massive fireworks display marking the eve of the race.

Throughout the three days there will be acrobats, fire-eaters, dancers and pirate ship workshops – plus loads of great food and drink.

The festival culminates in the emotional departure ceremony and the traditional fleet blessing.

On Sunday the Clipper fleet will slip away at 1.30pm in an arrow formation towards the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron Line ready for the off.

Then 10 minutes later HMS Illustrious will leave the QE2 berth, where it will tie up tomorrow at 1.15pm.

The vast warship will take its position behind the competing yachts, with a spectacular flotilla of boats of every shape and size following in its wake.

Boat owners are being encouraged to take part and chartered ferries for spectators will be leaving Ocean Village and the Town Quay.