Cruise passengers of P&O’s Pacific Pearl will be welcomed with something other than open arms on Saturday, when paddleboarders take to the seas to mingle with the 63,875-tonne vessel.

Organised by Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association, the ‘Paddle to the Pearl’ event will see competitors racing from Queensland’s Mooloolaba Spit, along the coastline and around the Pearl; paddleboarders will be allowed within 30 metres of the ship.

This is the second time this race has been planned, but the first time it will actually go ahead. Last year, it was cancelled due to bad weather – locals are hoping that won’t be the case this year.

The race – of either 8km or 16km courses – will start at 8am when the Pearl drops anchor in Mooloolaba.