Rockin' River Festival is here

The Kyatt, Harper, Bott and Davy family have pooled their knowledge and resources to come up with the best vessel they possibly can.

This year they have entered under the team name 'The Boat That Rocked' (based from the movie musical of the same name) and will compete with nine other teams for the coveted first place in the 'Build Your Own Boat' Race.

The husbands have taken on the role of crew in this year's river race and they're quietly confident they can steer their vessel, anointed 'The Raft that Rocked', towards victory.

It would be the sweetest win as they're yet to take out first place despite being regular competitors in the race. Some regular might remember their colourful 'Mums on a Mission' Boat from 2012.

Captain and engineer of The Raft That Rocked, John Kyatt has poured all his know-how and raft-building experience into the vessel.

The accountant by day is convinced their raft will make it across the finish line safe and sound.

It's fashioned from a base of two waterskies, a kayak and recycled trampoline and preliminary tests have proved the vessel will stay afloat.

"This is rock solid," Mr Kyatt tells the Queanbeyan Age while knocking on the side of the boat to demonstrate his point.

"I think with the engineering of this, depending on what other teams come up with, we could possibly win it.

"We've done two trial runs and just modified the boat accordingly. When we went out last weekend, it was a fairly quick boat but you never know on the day. It's about having fun, really."

And even if they don't win, at least they'll be travelling in style.

In keeping with the boat's theme, the team have decorated the boat with various bits and bobs. They will also kindly provided some musical accompaniment for the race and will also be sporting some very hip costumes.

Think denim-covered life jackets (very rock'n'roll), sunglasses and bandanas. To round out their look, they have guitar-themed oars that are stylish and practical.

"We'll have an sound system on board. We're probably going to have 'Smoke on the Water' blaring out hopefully and one of the other dads is getting some waterproof speakers to be taped on," Mr Kyatt said.

"Some things work and some things don't but you often don't know until the day."

The Queanbeyan River Festival will be held on Saturday, October 11 from 12pm. The Clearwater Sculpture Prize entrants will also be displayed down by the River from today until Sunday, October 12.