One of the most traditional of summer sports looms with the majestic Whanganui River taking centre stage.
The Wanganui Motorboat Club's annual regatta set down for the weekend of March 18-19, will feature a raft of racing craft pitting driver skill against engine power.
Club commodore Jason Buttimore said two North Island titles would be up for grabs over the weekend, including the Clubman and Prostock classes.
"We are expecting large numbers of boats from all over the North Island, especially in the Clubman class, that is the largest class racing in New Zealand at the moment,' Buttimore said.
"There will be races for the juniors, the Formula 1 (F1) Tunnels, Skiboats and the big Procom V8 Flat Bottom craft - there may even be a few hydroplanes. Club trophies will also be up for grabs as will the annual King of the River race to end the regatta. The King of the River race features the fastest boats over the weekend of all classes, but it's traditionally a great rivalry between the V8 Flat Bottoms and the F1 Tunnels."