Beast Mode on Pittwater - New VX One Australian Champion

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22 Jan

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. 

Event website

Results

VX One Nationals 2025 (Almost) Get Underway

Details

18 Jan

Send it Saturday!

The VX One 2025 Australian Championships almost got underway 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. 

Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1TDQb7DbPJ/

“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 underway. 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. 

Event website

Results

Im Credits: Nic Douglass @sailorgirlhq

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Contact: Nicole (Nic) Douglass

Content Manager - VX One Australia Nationals 2025

Phone - +61 (0)402 454 885

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