VX One Australian National Championships 2025 at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - Day 1
by Nicole Douglass 18 Jan 23:49 NZDT
VX One Nationals 2025 © Nicole Douglass
The VX One 2025 Australian Championships almost got under way today from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC). Following two days of no racing due to gale-force winds, the fleet was champing at the bit to get racing.
The AP ashore came down at 1235 and the fleet of 29 rushed to crane their boats in to get out onto the race track with the assistance of the RPAYC waterfront team and race committee.
The Beast Sailing Team, skippered by Jordan Barney, with siblings Hayden Barney and Layla Barney were quick to hoist their new spinnaker and test the speed of the VX One. The team hit an impressive top speed of 22.8 knots, missing out on the class record of 24.7 knots.
"We're used to being beaten up by the waves, and yeah, we just took it as a golden opportunity to have a bit of fun," said Hayden Barney.
"Mick James (VXOne Association of Australia Life Member), he's the proud owner of The Beast and The Beast Sailing Team, so we just wanted to get the all clear from him. He's been helping us get to all these regattas, he came with us last year... he travels with us, he provides the sails, accommodation, and the drinks at the end," added Hayden Barney of The Beast program.
The Race Committee had a goal of a first start at 14:45 and we thank them for their effort to get racing under way. As boat after boat in the 29 boat fleet headed out from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, predominantly sailing under jib only, the breeze began to increase once again, forcing on water delays.
It wasn't long until the fleet, all huddled together in the lee of Scotland Island heard the AP/A horns blasted over the radio.
Racing is set to start at 1000 tomorrow with four races scheduled to make a series.
Thanks to regatta sponsors Harken Australia, North Sails, Pantaenius, Market Matters and Skiff Ropes for their support.