AHOY, me hearties!Organisers of one of Felixstowe's most popular annual events are hoping everything will be shipshape and plain sailing this weekend.

AHOY, me hearties!

Organisers of one of Felixstowe's most popular annual events are hoping everything will be shipshape and plain sailing this weekend.

For teams are preparing to take to the waves for the annual raft races on Sunday between the pier and Spa Pavilion.

The event disappeared from the resort's calendar for several years but returned two years ago with new organisers and renewed enthusiasm and, weather permitting, should again provide loads of fun for people on the seafront.

Teams will compete over a triangular course, striving to win trophies in different categories to raise cash for charities supported by Felixstowe Lions and to boost the Felixstowe Girl Guides' bid to build a new HQ.

There is still time to enter, but not many hours left in which to put together a raft, though planks and oil drums tied tightly together usually suffice.

There will be one event in which groups will be required to build their raft from scratch on the beach.

Organiser Barry Gillings said he had fingers crossed for fine weather and hoped it would be a happy, fun and entertaining day for the resort.

Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol and Rescue Service will be keeping watch over the event in case of any mishaps.

Every team member will be required to wear a life jacket and be a competent swimmer, and the throwing of objects, such as flour bombs and eggs, during the race will be banned.

Junior teams must be supervised by a leader.

There are five categories: pubs and clubs, women, professional and constructed rafts; under 18s; and made-on-the-beach rafts.

Entry forms for the event– which will start at 2pm – are available from Mr Gillings on 01394 277577 (evenings).