The VX One Australian Championship concluded today at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), and a new Australian Champion was crowned. The Beast AUS352, skippered by Jordan Barney, with siblings Ayla Barney and Hayden Barney, took a convincing win over the four races sailed, finishing seven points ahead of second placed V Wagon AUS248.
The team also won the first Youth Skipper, and the first female to cross the line.
“We are stoked to be in this position. Obviously we are pretty privileged to be where we are at,” said Jordan Barney. “It just came down to picking the shifts and making those slight decisions that are ten percenters or one percenters,” he finished on the conditions.
“I am very emotional about the whole thing,” said Michael James, The Beast Team Principal. “Couldn’t be prouder. They represented the brand nicely,” he finished.
Second place was taken by newcomer to the fleet, V Wagon AUS248, skippered by Chris Dawson with Steve Bryant and Jan Scholten. With a win in race two and lowest result of ten, the crew’s consistency won out to secure the Senior Helm trophy by one point from Peter Conde on Late Shift AUS243 in third overall.
The day’s racing got underway in variable conditions with a median of around 15 knots, with plenty of play in the direction, giving the fleet plenty to think about in the all-or-nothing race day. The racing didn’t disappoint with action on the start line, close mark roundings and plenty of contention for places throughout the fleet.
Race four was the only race to not have a clear start, with a general recall being called by the Race Committee. On the second attempt the fleet got away cleanly, and as the cloud broke up the breeze lifted to the 16-18 knot range over the course. The strong breeze saw boat handling win throughout the fleet, and as it peaked at the end of race four there were some thrills and spills for those hit by gusts of up to 22 knots.
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18NQqVpaE9/
The winner of the Vakaros, thanks to Harken Australia in the raffle draw was Alan Moffat, owner of six-time National Champion team Mack One.
The winner of the North Sails jib was also the first female skipper, Juliet Constanzo AUS244 from the host club RPAYC.
Thanks to regatta sponsors Harken Australia, North Sails, Pantaenius, Market Matters and Skiff Ropes for their support.
Contact – Nicole (Nic) Douglass – Content Manager – VX One Australia Nationals 2025
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