Members of Spongeboat Wetpants preparing for the 2013 Queanbeyan Regatta. Photo: Kim Pham.
Members of Spongeboat Wetpants preparing for the 2013 Queanbeyan Regatta. Photo: Kim Pham.
IT'S a case of style over substance for the creatively-named team Spongeboat Wetpants and their vessel in the 2013 Queanbeyan Regatta.
In teaming with the theme of 'Happy Birthday Queanbeyan', a nod to the town's 175th anniversary, the group is creating a cake-shaped boat complete with icing and candles.
Team Spongebob Wetpants consists of Queanbeyan City Council staff members Nicole Sek, Jo Doughty, Mandy Hart, Clinton Abraham and Mark Cutting.
"The Spongeboat refers to the cake and the Wetpants is what we're going to get!" Ms Doughty said with a laugh.
The team's last minute decision to enter the regatta resulted in a short production schedule of one weekend and "two cramming afternoons" to get their vessel competition-ready.
They may not even have time for a test-run.
"We're worried if we test it we mightn't have a raft left for Saturday," Ms Doughty said.
Mr Cutting, a civil engineer, dreamed up the concept and design of the boat and is quick to reassure his team mates.
"They're all being negative but we're only half way done. They might change their minds when we've finished," he said. "I'm confident it will float, I'm willing to put it in print."
The raft will have a base made from recycled rubbish bins and tyre tubes with a perimeter of timber to enclose the crew.
It has been painted blue and the team members will be dressed up as candles to add a festive touch.
The team is hoping to win the award for the "Most Creative Birthday Boat". Other categories are Green Machine (best use of recycled materials), Show Your Style (most creative crew name and outfits) and mostly important Shoot for the Stars (first across the line).
Ms Sek, an experienced competitor having entered the regatta twice before, said this year it's about aesthetics.
"Our first year, the raft was the worst and the ugliest ... it also sank because we had too many people," she said.
"It has to look good and float, as much as I love to win, the boat has to look good."
n The Queanbeyan Regatta will be held at Ray Morton Park, Trinculo Place on Saturday, March 2 from 10am - 4pm. Along with the boat races, there will be entertainment with music and performances, a free jumping castle, activities and fruit for kids. Food will also be available for purchase.