A SPECIAL power boat event organised in memory of a former “leading light” of the sport will take place this weekend.

The Annie Beakhust Memorial Race will raise money for cancer charities after the popular race organiser lost her fight against the disease in January this year.

Annie had been involved in power boating for the past 30 years and was highly regarded by all of those involved in the sport.

James Sydenham, who sits on the power boat committee of the Royal Motor Yacht Club and who is organising the event said: “Annie was one of the committee members of the Royal Motor Yacht Club and a very important person.

“She was instrumental in rallying people together and was held in high respect.”

The annual power boating event to raise money for Cancer Research has been made bigger this year in Annie’s honour and looks to be the “largest gathering of boats in Poole for many, many years”, James said.

On Saturday “scrutineering” will take place at Poole Quay from 10am-4pm when members of the public can see the boats up close and chat to the drivers.

It is the first time in five years powerboats have been based at Poole Quay for the viewing.

And on Sunday, four races will take place from Bournemouth Pier at noon involving up to 30 boats including James and his identical twin Matt.

The vessels are expected to reach speeds of more than 80mph and the races will start and finish at Bournemouth Pier.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out for the popular event, with the best viewing spots on the cliffs from Boscombe Pier to Shore Road.