A FIVE-DAY festival of exciting watersport will be held in Tor Bay this August.

The array of eye-catching attractions will mark the golden anniversary of the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes powerboat race.

It is 50 years since politician Sir Max Aitken, the first Baron Beaverbrook, conceived the world-renowned event, and Torquay is aiming to celebrate this year's anniversary in style.

The Red Arrows will create a sky-filled spectacle on August 25, while out at sea there will be competitions involving Offshore Circuit Racing drivers.

Also on the waves will be 25 to 30 of the world's classic powerboats, and along Torquay seafront coordinators are hoping to have a variety of land-based attractions.

Gordon Oliver, one of the anniversary organisers, said: "Things are taking shape now. It's looking really encouraging.

"On the first day, the classic powerboats will find their way at a leisurely pace from Cowes to Torbay, docking in Torquay's outer harbour to be welcomed at 6pm by the arrival of the Red Arrows. The boats will stay all of the following day and be open to the public.

"We've been coordinating, supporting and assisting Cowes organisers to give them a warm welcome and celebrate 50 years of success, in which Torbay has played a major role.

"We're aiming to have Thunderbolt, the first boat to win the event in 1962, owned at the time by celebrated driver Tommy Sopwith, coming to Torbay.

"It is also hoped that Humdrum, previously owned by Lord Beaverbrook, will be on display on Torquay harbourside for the anniversary.

"Many other activities are taking place in support of this amazing event, including participation from the British Waterskiing Federation and the Offshore Circuit Racing Association, on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"Torbay harbourmaster Kevin Mowat and the Royal Torbay Yacht Club have been very helpful in assisting with the plans.

"The Imperial Hotel has also been involved, and there will be a huge reception held there on August 26, where some of the great and good, including past competitors, organisers and constructors, will be present."

For watersport fans who can't wait for August's celebrations, the Offshore Racing Drivers Association has organised three days of competition in Tor Bay on May 28, 29 and 30.