ORGANISERS of the Lake Mulwala Power powerboat festival are predicting their best event yet.
Run by Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and the Australian Power Boat Association, the event has more than 60 confirmed entries for November 28-29.
The festival will feature some of the world's fastest power boats, reaching speeds of up to 270km/h propelled by engines making more than 1340kW.
The program will range from the mighty grand prix hydroplanes and blown alcohol displacement boats to Formula Future junior boat racing.
More than 70 race teams are expected to compete for $20,000 in prizemoney.
On-shore, visitors will be able to browse through a display of classic Australian wooden power boats and another from the Sea Craft Syndicate Association.
There will be a model boat display, scenic helicopter flights, market stalls and children's entertainment, plus an outdoor expo where exhibitors will show ski boats, marine gear and fishing equipment.
The Boating Association of Victoria and Mulwala Water Ski Club show team will also play a part.
One feature race in the two-day program will be the running of the EC Griffith Cup, an annual teams tussle between Australia and New Zealand where the winning nation gets to host the following year's event.
Others are the Hayes Wood trophy, an Australian unlimited, unrestricted championship event, and the Yarrawonga Gold Cup.
The event opens next Friday night at the Mulwala Water Ski Club.
The Yarrawonga foreshore opens at 9am on Saturday for practice and qualifying before racing starts at 11am.
Sunday's racing starts at 10am, with presentations and the award ceremony back at the Mulwala Water Ski Club that evening.
It was announced earlier this month that the Lake Mulwala Power festival had been chosen ahead of other finalists from the US, Canada and New Zealand to host next year's world championship event.
- For more details, phone event co-ordinator Barb Macdermid on (03) 5744 1989.
