18 VX Ones battled for the NSW State Championship at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) over seven races this weekend ahead of the National Championship at the same venue 15-19 January 2025. Current and six-time National Championship winners Mack One AUS376, skippered by Ben Franklin, with Alan Moffat and Danny Fuller from the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) had a perfect scorecard for the last day of the regatta to defend the NSW Championship.
“Great to be here at Pittwater ahead of the National Championship,” said Mack One skipper, Ben Franklin.
“The fleet has really lifted over the past few years, it’s just incredible racing. One error and you lose five boats”.
“A big thanks to Alan and Danny for their patience this weekend, it can be a tricky venue but we sailed well today and we are super happy. The RPAYC has been super welcoming, so a big thanks to all here, and the RO for getting away the full program of races,” he added.
“Well sailed to Deadly, they made us work for it today, and we can’t wait for a rematch, in an even more competitive fleet come January. Sounds like we will have 30 plus boats, which is epic,” he finished.
Day one leaders, Deadly AUS349 skippered by William Voerman, with Greg Clark and Tom Whitmore did not have enough of a buffer on Mack One, finishing behind their fellow club members after adding eleven to their scorecard on the final day. The Beast 5 AUS352, also from RQYS sailed by family team Jordan, Hayden and Ayla Barney finished just two points behind in third place. They also took the first Youth Helm prize.
Fourth overall was the first NSW boat, Wissel AUS242 skippered by Rob Douglass, with Phil Thompson and Nic Douglass sailing for Jervis Bay Sailing Club. They also took the Masters Trophy, just over LateShift AUS243 skippered by Peter Conde with Steve Girdis and Sophie Whitmore, also from RQYS, who finished in fifth position.
The first two-up crew (you can sail with two or three crew members in the VX One class), 8 Ball AUS374 skippered by Alex Robbins with Cam Miles, finished in sixth position overall.
The NSW State Championship and National Championship are supported by major sponsor Harken as well as North Sails, Pantaenius, Market Matters and Skiff Ropes.
Words by Nicole (Nic) Douglass
Content Manager – VX NSW State Championship & Nationals
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