The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron at Canaipa Point, Russell Island, played host to the RMC Christmas Party 2023. From November 24th to 26th, 39 vessels converged for a weekend of nautical revelry.
On Friday morning sky, a fleet of 9 boats embarked on a delightful northbound journey, weaving up to Jumpin Pin and the Canaipa Passage. The sun, initially shy, eventually beamed, casting its golden glow for the entire day. A slow cruise, led by the esteemed Boatman, unfolded, offering participants a unique opportunity to savor the picturesque sights along the Canaipa Passage.
“The fleet arrived at Canaipa Point and saw up to 13 boats already anchored. These boating enthusiasts formed raft-ups and showed their longstanding friendships formed through RMC experiences. The camaraderie between the boats reflected the tight-knit community fostered by RMC events.
On Friday afternoon, amidst the warm embrace of the afternoon sun, owners seized the opportunity to mingle and exchange greetings as they came ashore at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. There, the RMC crew had the chance to meet the hosts and caretakers, Sean & Sheridan, which paved the way for a weekend of fun. The RQYS, Canaipa Point with its picturesque setting, became a hub of social interaction.
The pool area was refreshing and provided a break from the sun’s heat. Families and pets were present, creating a lively atmosphere for the upcoming festivities. It was a great start to the RMC Christmas Party.
As evening descended, the spotlight shifted to a highly anticipated highlight – the ‘Christmas Boat Light Decoration Competition.’ What initially seemed like a straightforward task proved to be a delightful challenge for the RMC crew.
Guided by the festive glow, the RMC crew, a lively bunch of eight, embarked on the Boatman tender to navigate the illuminated waters and cast their astute eyes on the creative displays. The stakes were high, with the coveted prize being a $500 voucher for use at the RMC Service Centre. After prolonged debates that rivaled the excitement of the competition itself, Travis Edney delivered the final verdict.
In an unexpected turn of events, three boats emerged victorious in this festive battle of lights. The 545 SUV Impala cruised away with the grand prize, a gleaming $500 voucher, showcasing a radiant display that could rival Santa’s sleigh. ‘Destiny,’ the 53 Enclosed Flybridge, earned a nod of approval and a $250 voucher for their creative efforts. Not to be outdone, the Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht, ‘Sea Shack,’ belted out a spirited (albeit possibly out of tune) sing-along during the raft-up, securing a well-deserved $500 voucher – because, let’s face it, who knew boat carolers were a thing?
We are truly grateful for the generosity displayed by our RMC members and guests who took the time to bring in children’s gifts for a charitable cause. Your thoughtful contributions will be directed to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, positively impacting sick children’s lives.
It was the morning of the main event, and for the RMC staff, the day kicked off with bacon and egg burgers paired with take away coffees. Energized and ready for action, all hands were on deck as RQYS caretaker Sean orchestrated a seamless setup. The master tent, tables, chairs, additional RMC marquees, games, pool toys, and the much-anticipated custom-built cornhole boards were strategically placed, setting the stage for a day of festivities.
By 11 am, the grounds buzzed with life as Riviera owners, accompanied by their four-legged friends and children, converged to the rhythmic tunes of the talented musician Dean Bounday . The atmosphere resonated with laughter, chatter, and the harmony of live music, creating a symphony of celebration that echoed across the Canaipa Passage.
As the festivities unfolded, the jetty felt the squeeze, with barely enough space for one more single tender, as owners were shuttled ashore from their anchored vessels. The scene, featuring a total of 39 boats, some individually anchored and others rafted up in the Canaipa Passage, revealed a lively picture.
Despite the sun deciding to play hide-and-seek, the day gifted our members and their guests with a perfect temperature. The subdued rays allowed for a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring that everyone could relish the festivities without the scorching heat.
To view the entire photo album, visit this link:
RMC Christmas 2023 Photo Album
Next, a delightful Christmas lunch. The 2-course feast included glazed leg ham, tender chicken, roasted potatoes, pumpkin, garden salad, and coleslaw. A Pavlova with fresh fruit and cream capped off the meal, embodying the festive spirit.
The post-lunch hours ushered in a lively atmosphere. Touch football became a spirited spectacle, echoing with laughter and cheers as participants showcased their agility and competitive spirit. However, it was on the custom-built cornhole boards that some surprising talents emerged. As the beanbags sailed through the air, revealing unexpected precision and accuracy, it became evident that a few Riviera owners harbored secret expertise in the game. The friendly battles on the cornhole boards unveiled a hidden skill set, leaving onlookers both impressed and amused.
As the sun gracefully dipped below the hills, it marked the conclusion of another resoundingly successful R Marine Crawley event. A heartfelt thank you extends to our gracious hosts, the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Canaipa Point whose hospitality and picturesque setting contributed immensely to the festivities.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our valued RMC members and their guests whose presence and enthusiasm made this event truly special. R Marine Crawley wishes you are happy new year and we’re excited to see you in 2024.