Lakefest unites some of the region's biggest aquatic events - such as the Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta, and Paddlefest - under one banner, in one week.

Event chairman Mel Steiner said Lakefest would be launched tomorrow (Friday) at Toronto with the Variety Splash - a Variety Bash on water run by Variety, the children's charity.

Tomorrow night, the focus switches to Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto, for the Heaven Can Wait charity dinner.

On Saturday, the fleet will set sail from the club in the annual Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta.

"The Heaven Can Wait regatta was the brainchild of keen sailor and cancer survivor Shaun Lewicki," Mr Steiner said.

"Following his recovery from cancer, he set about creating an event that would not only promote sailing on Lake Macquarie and raise money for the Hunter Branch of the NSW Cancer Council, but now is shaping up to be a showcase event for the Hunter region."

Last year the regatta raised $39,000, the majority of which went to the Hunter branch of the NSW Cancer Council with some proceeds also going to Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue for their support during the regatta.

"The last Heaven Can Wait Regatta had some 70 boats competing and this year we are expecting close to 100 boats," Mr Steiner said.

"We're also also expecting to raise $50,000 for the charities."

Recent dredging of Swansea channel had helped to attract large yachts to Lake Macquarie for this year's regatta, Mr Steiner said.

Other events during the inaugural Lakefest Aquatic Week include Paddlefest (run by Rotary Toronto Sunrise), a children's Pirate Fun Day (run by Belmont 16 Footers), a two-day, mid-week masters regatta (run by Lake Macquarie Yacht Club) and an open Friday twilight race (run by the Wangi Amateur Sailing Club).

■ Details: lakefestnsw.wix.com/lakefestnsw