Thousands of Melburnians float down Yarra River for the Inflatable Regatta

A slew of life jacket-wearing Melburnians have made their way down the Yarra River on colourful floats for this year’s Inflatable Regatta.

The first fleet of bright blue inflatable boats launched from the Yarra Bank Reserve, in Hawthorn, at 9am.

More than 1800 people took to the banks to watch the spectacle, organised by local man Courtney Carthy and sponsored by Melbourne Water.

Mr Carthy told 9NEWS his idea for the regatta began more than eight years ago.

“I was a student, and really wanted to experience the Yarra, but boats were too expensive,” he said.

“The cheapest boat I could find was an inflatable one…and there’s no laws against using them on the river.”

The concept was swept up by the city council last year, and has become a part of Melbourne’s official event calendar.

Mr Carthy said the “friendly, innocent” aspect of the regatta was the key to its appeal.

“We don’t tell you what to do on the water… you’re free to do your own thing.”

He also said the event aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding pollution in the Yarra.

“It’s the most sparse inner-city area in Victoria. There is so much potential waiting to be unlocked.”

The non-competitive course meandered 2km into the heart of the CBD, with participants treated to ice-cream at the finish line.