Inflatable boats to float down the Yarra

Hundreds of inflatable boats will float down the Yarra River at the weekend, sailed by 500 eager Melburnians.

Sponsored by Melbourne Water, the "inflatable regatta" 2016 will go to Melbourne for the first time and promises to turn the muddy waters of the Yarra into a kaleidoscope of colours.

The rafts are due to launch at 10am on Saturday from the Yarra Bank Reserve Rowing Docks and will finish in Hawthorn.