The event will see brightly lit flotillas set sail on the western side of the lake on June 22 and on the eastern side on June 23. 

Participants will dress up their boats with lights, creating a “magical” effect. They will then sail at a rate of 4 knots across the lake. 

Lake Macquarie City Council’s manager of cultural services Jacqui Hemsley said the Lake’s boaties and the broader community had shown strong support for the event last year and this year was set o be just as spectacular. 

“Once again, we are opening up the challenge for boat owners to dress up their boats with lights and take part in a two-night flotilla parade on our beautiful Lake Macquarie,” Ms Hemsley said.

“Last year we had more than 23 boats, illuminated with lights as whales, turtles and stars, and this year we want to see even more boaties join in the fun.”

Float Your Boat participants will be competing for cash prizes across three categories:

·         People’s Choice Award - $2000;

·         Mayor’s Best Boat Award, for boats 10m and over - $1000; and

·         Mayor’s Best Boat Award, for boats 5m and over - $1000.

Applications are open and it is free to enter your boat.

Early bird registrations will be offered a free marine sculpture workshop at Marmong Point Marina, where participants will gain advice on how to make their illumination ideas a reality. 

There are also a variety of sponsorship supporter packages available, with opportunities including naming rights, online promotion and sponsor acknowledgement. 

If you would like to enter your boat in Float Your Boat expressions of interest are still open via the council’s website: lakemac.com.au