A 112km stretch of calm water along the Hawkesbury River will be broken as the 73rd Bright Printing Group Bridge to Bridge Powerboat Classic comes roaring to Windsor on May 3 where huge crowds are expected.

Paul Vella, brother-in-law of six time winner Ricky Howard, said that he is not quite ready to snatch another victory from Howard.

"All our prep work has been low key yet fairly promising" Vella said.

"With consistency and a little more power, we'll be right on the money."

The successful home and factory builder admits he thought of pulling out of the race if the rain hadn't eased off during the Easter holidays.

"Heavy rains always drag everything into the Hawkesbury and makes it impossible to race," he said.

Former Powerboat Classic winner Craig Truslove seems more confident in his approach.

"I cannot remember our boat being so strong and responsive, but the only gauge I never checked was the fuel pressure and we cooked a motor in, less than 10km into the event".

Truslove won the event in 2007 with breathtaking ease, returning last year to make it a double and now he's on track for a third.

"We came here weeks ahead of the race which gave us time to read the water and now we know exactly what we need to do".

"Everyone with a V8 superboat will tell you they have it won, but our Anglom Oil Mercury is turning out incredible power."

Wilberforce police officer, Steve Oswald, is another contender for the race with a hefty 20 years experience under his belt and knows most things about going fast on road and on water.

This year, he is changing from a Chevy to a 358ci NASCAR Dodge engine.

"I just love doing things differently to others and the Dodge promised better top end performance and we have got power in spades," he said.

Proving that the race is a familiar affair, this year he is taking his wife, Monica, along for ride as co-pilot and observer.

"She's a terrific girl," he said. "And understands everything about the sport".

All the racers will be trying to break the outstanding record set by Gold Coast veteran Ricky Howard who managed to roar from Brooklyn Bridge to Windsor Marine Stadium in 29:47, the first time a man has finished the race under 30 minutes.

In past years the race has attracted more than 5000 people and larger numbers are expected this year. Howard was also present at last Saturday's powerboat display that was held in Windsor mall, presenting a showcase of top-river boats and it also helped promote the Windsor local business district.

The Bridge to Bridge is expected to boost the local economy in a much needed time while also providing thrills for locals and the visitors.