MILLIONAIRES could be flocking to Weymouth for a major maritime event.

The powerboat world championship race is the latest in a series of top competitions being lined up in the borough.

The latest event is expected to be a massive boost to the town’s economy and it is hoped that powerboat racing will become a permanent fixture in the resort.

Bosses behind this year’s South Coast Marathon Race at Portland Marina say the inaugural event was so successful that it is hoped to develop the sport in the resort.

But this time, the impressive powerboats, event presentations and celebrations will be based around Weymouth Harbour.

Tony Fiddy, commodore of the United Kingdom Offshore Boating Association (UKOBA), said they would definitely be holding a 132-nautical-mile marathon race in September and a smaller all-classes club race off Weymouth.

Subject to approval from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the Royal Yachting Association, the event would expand to encompass a world championship event for 1.3-litre, national-class powerboats.

Mr Fiddy said: “That would be a much bigger event with three races and competitors from Italy, Sweden, Norway and the UK and would bring a massive boost to the borough’s economy.

He said: “When we were here in September there were 40 beds in the town taken.

“If we get the world championship the town will be full, it will bring a lot of money to the area.

“The marathon fleet are all millionaires or wealthy businessmen; it’s big boys’ toys.

“We all work hard during the week and are lucky enough to have a few quid to race at weekends.

“Two of the guys from the last race put 2,000 litres of fuel in their boats at Portland Marina fuel pump and did the race on that.”

UKOBA has long-term plans to make powerboating a ‘major feature’ at Weymouth in the run-up and beyond the Olympic season in 2012.

Mr Fiddy, managing director of Naanovo Energy, added: “What’s been said around the powerboat world is this was the best marathon venue and the best race they had all season.

“The plan is to put something very big here in 2012 with 150mph boats out of Weymouth Harbour – the most spectacular thing you’ll ever see.

“I work for a very big American company, which has agreed to put up $150,000 to sponsor the race here in the Olympic year.”

Terry Herring, officer of the day and rear commodore of the UKOBA, said: “It’s all about bringing powerboat racing back to Weymouth.

“UKOBA doesn’t see it as a short-term thing, we can see it as a long-term thing.

“Weymouth used to organise similar events 20 years ago, we used to organise races out of here.”

Graham Castell, vice-commodore of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, said: “We welcome the association with UKOBA and look forward to working with them to promote powerboat racing from Weymouth in the future.”

UKOBA is looking for local sponsors to assist with next year’s event.

To find out more, email Tony Fiddy on fiddyt@aol.com.