The vessels are due to arrive at Greenock on Friday, attracting up to half a million people during their four-day stay.

The spectacle is a major tourist draw

A huge park and ride scheme has been set up to ease traffic congestion.

Three car parks at Inverkip, Bishopton and the Phoenix Centre at Linwood - each capable of providing spaces for 9,000 vehicles - are being set aside for the event.

A fleet of 100 buses has been arranged to carry spectators to and from the sites.

ScotRail is also taking steps to tackle congestion by doubling train services to and from the area.

The main A8 through the town will remain open, but a parking permit scheme has been organised locally to allow residents and workers to park close to their homes and businesses.

Parking search

Sergeant Jim McLaughlin, of Strathclyde Police's Tall Ships liasion team at Greenock, said: "People will be coming from all over Scotland and England to this event.

"Drivers, especially if they bring the family, will know there is nothing worse than the endless search for a parking place after a long journey.

"That's why we believe the park and ride facilities are the solution," he said.

Fifteen vessels are expected in Greenock

Sergeant McLaughlin also warned those familiar with the area not to try to find a "secret" parking space.

"I can assure tham the area will be busy anyway. Life for local people must be allowed to go on as normal and these 'secret' places will be non-existent.

"The best solution for everybody will be to use the park and ride facilities," he added.

Greenock looks set to attract more square-riggers than any other host port since the event began in 1956.

Fifteen Class A ships are likely to be among the spectacular fleet which sails into the Inverclyde town for the biggest international sailing event in the world.

Aberdeen held the previous record of attracting 13 square-riggers when it hosted the Cutty Sark race in 1997.