The 10 pontoons were transported to Nowra from Sydney by Hitchcock Transport and gently lowered into the Shoalhaven River, adjacent to the Nowra Sailing Club, by Nowra Cranes.

Committee members Terry Chittleborough and Johny Vynes spent a wet Thursday putting the pontoons in place and securing them.

And it will be a different layout this year, with Mr Vynes saying it is “Dubai inspired”.

“We have between 12 and 15 boats that will be on display at the marina as part of the festival,” Mr Chittleborough said.

“The pontoons will also be used for the seaplane which once again is back for the festival.”

Two extra pontoons will also be used for the fireworks display on Saturday night.

Mr Chittleborough, who works in marine and marina projects and design said he would like to see a marina permanently based in the Shoalhaven River.

“I think that’s on everyone’s wish list,” he said.

“There is no reason we shouldn’t have one.

“The Shoalhaven River would have to be one of the few major water courses in Australia with no marina in it.

“The long term positives for Nowra from a permanent marina could be enormous.”

Mr Chittleborough said the marina has proven popular over the past few years and he again hoped it would attract a big crowds.

“Hopefully the popularity might attract a developer who may be interested in making a marina a permanent,” he said.

The marina exhibition will be held both Saturday and Sunday.