this year's annual boat show.

The Royal Gazette reported yesterday how the Island's yearly boating event would not go ahead because of delays to roadworks at Dockyard.

But last night, the Bermuda Powerboat Association, which has always been involved in the show, said it was not prepared to stand back and watch the prestigious event be scrapped.

Members have already contacted exhibitors and new plans have been drawn up to hold the two-day show and race at Ferry Reach, St. George's, during the first weekend of May.

Rear Commodore of the association, Michael Araujo, said members were very disappointed with the West End Development Corporation (Wedco), who normally organises the event, for cancelling it so near to the date.

He said: "Exhibitors come from overseas to be at the show and they plan months in advance. They have to pre-order boats and motors months ahead of time, so, for Wedco to cancel so late was a problem and not what we think should have happened.

"Bermuda Telephone Company Mobility were providing the sponsorship and they were willing to do so where ever it was held, so we thought we would step in.

We did not want to throw that money away.

"We have already started to organise things and we think this year will be bigger and better than before. We have a lot more room here, which means participants will have a lot more space to bring more exhibits.'' Mr. Araujo said if the show is as successful as he hoped, Wedco may have a battle on its hands next year to take it back to Dockyard.

He added: "If this boat show is a hit, it will be very hard for us to go back to Dockyard next year.

"We did not want to see the show cancelled, so we have stepped in to salvage it. Maybe it will stay now at Ferry Reach.'' The show will be held during the weekend of May 6 and 7. It will run between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the Saturday and 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Sunday. There will be jet ski and power boat races and activities for children.

Mr. Williams was not available for comment last night, but he earlier said to The Royal Gazette that he did not think cancelling this year's show would hamper future years.

He said besides the roadworks, the Island's Agricultural Show was also set to take place during the first weekend of May and finding an alternative date was proving difficult, so Wedco decided it would be best to cancel it altogether.

Mr. Williams added: "The priority is getting the roadworks finished and the Dockyard put right in time for the first of the cruise ships that will arrive in the second week of May.

"I don't think it will damage the show long-term. We anticipate that we will have a bigger and better show next year.''