2nd Annual Christmas Lights Twilight Sail
The calm waters of the Wynnum Wading Pool were transformed into a shimmering kaleidoscope of color this week as the Wynnum Manly Radio Model Yacht Club hosted its second annual Christmas Lights Twilight Sail.
What began last year as a novel experiment has quickly evolved into a premier festive tradition for the Bayside community. This year’s event saw a marked increase in scale, with both the competing DF65 yachts and the racing course itself undergoing a high-tech holiday makeover.
A Course Bathed in Light
In a stunning technical display, organizers deployed a series of illuminated buoys to mark the racecourse. The glowing markers provided a professional racing environment while creating a surreal, neon-lit arena that could be seen from the far reaches of the Wynnum Esplanade.
The real stars of the show, however, were the boats. Local skippers spent weeks outfitting their radio-controlled vessels with intricate LED arrays. As the sun set over Moreton Bay, the fleet took to the water, casting vibrant streaks of emerald, ruby, and gold across the pool’s surface.
Community Spirit and Corporate Support
The event drew a significant crowd of spectators who lined the concrete tiers of the pool. The atmosphere was made even more magical by the sound of Christmas carols playing in the background, their familiar melodies drifting across the water as the yachts maneuvered through the night.
Among those enjoying the festivities was Joan Pease MPs office, who were capturing the action. The local Member of Parliament later shared highlights of the evening online, praising the club for bringing "magical" energy to the foreshore.
The evening also highlighted the strong ties between local recreation and commerce. Sandi Sharp, the club's B2W (Beginners to Winners) sponsor, joined the festivities to cheer on the fleet. Her presence underscored the vital role local sponsorship plays in bringing these unique community events to life.
Members of the local photography club were also out in force, their long-exposure shots capturing the yachts not just as boats, but as "light paintings" moving through the dark. These professional captures, alongside the MP’s photos, have since flooded social media, showcasing Wynnum’s unique community spirit to a wider audience.
A Growing Tradition
Beyond the competition, the evening served as a reminder of the Wading Pool’s role as a vital community hub. "It’s about more than just racing," one spectator noted. "It’s about seeing the pool used in such a creative, beautiful way that brings everyone together."
With the success of this second outing, the Christmas Lights Sail appears set to become a permanent fixture in the Wynnum Manly holiday calendar. For the skippers of the Wynnum Manly Radio Model Yacht Club, the challenge now begins to see how they can make next year’s display even brighter.
