THOUSANDS of boats are expected to get out on the water across the country tomorrow in support of the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing events.

The Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Sail for Gold ‘Push the Boat Out’ day is being held just one week ahead of the start of the London 2012 sailing events in Weymouth and Portland .

Thousands of people and hundreds of clubs, centres and marinas across the country are all primed to take part in events such as treasure hunts, cruises, fancy dress parades and mini Olympics to celebrate and cheer on the British Sailing Team and showcase boating to the nation.

‘Push the Boat Out’ day supporters include Clipper Events, Dee Caffari Racing, Neilson, Tall Ship Adventures, Endeavour Sailing, On the Water, RYA Sailability, Premier Marinas and the Ocean Youth Trust North.

Weymouth’s Olympic Laser champion and Team GB sailor Paul Goodison said: “Thanks for all your amazing support for the Olympic and Paralympic sailors – it really makes a difference to know you’re all behind us.

“Keep the good luck messages coming and have a great ‘Push the Boat Out’ day.” A cavalcade of boats from Redcliffe Yacht Club (RYC), Wareham will be among those taking part.

The decorated vessels will progress down to Poole Harbour for lunch before returning to the RYC for an evening barbecue.

To find out about other events and how to get involved visit www.rya.org.uk/programmes/sailforgold Share your photos of the day on the Sail for Gold Facebook page.

All the best videos and photos posted on the Facebook page will also be used as part of a commemorative video of the day.