Airlie Beach Race Week 

An amazing venue, a full party vibe and incredible water is how we can sum up Airlie Beach Race Week. 

 

The six boats who headed north enjoyed relatively breezy but shifty conditions. Unfortunately, day two racing was called off early due to the rapidly building southeasterly, however, there were three races in the bag thanks to day one. 

This was a good call by Race Management it seems! The reserve day was not used mainly due to the forecast for more of the same heavy air that undid a forty foot cat the day prior (when we were on the beach). 

The good news with that was the competitors could do their planned activities, and the even better news - we got to see the sunset before the Presidential Dinner hosted by Clarkey and Bink at their place, a lovely way to all get together. 

After lay day, the fleet got in another three races in breezier conditions, and on the final day managed five (!!!) races to finish the series only one race down. An epic achievement! 

Most importantly, fun was had by all, the club and organisers loved having us, and we have now set the scene for more VX’n in the Whitsundays! 

NSW State Championships

The NSW State Championships will be held at Cronulla Sailing Club on 15th and 16th November. The Club has worked through the logistics to cater for 20 boats so it is a go. Socials at the club will include a pizza and beer afternoon on Saturday and Friday night is always spectacular at Cronulla. More details to come, but save the date! 

Mick Hole Regatta

Three VX’s took part in the Mick Hole Memorial Regatta, 19-20 July at RPAYC. The racing was tricky with all three VX’s V Wagon (Chris Dawson/Steve Bryant), Rapture (Rob Douglass/Dave Hyde) and Bolt (Warwick Rooklyn/Josh Dawson/Katherine Shannon) alternating the lead in almost every race at various points. V Wagon had a glamour Day 2 to lead the VX’s in the end. 

RPAYC & RSYS Club Racing

We now have two fleets in Sydney - RPAYC and Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (see new owners section below). RPA has set a program with racing starting on Sunday 20th September.  

Anyone interested in joining in or wanting a sail should contact Dave Hyde or Jervis Tilley. 

Royal Sydney has an open day on 14th September with racing commencing the following week.

NEW BOATS & NEW OWNERS 

A big welcome to new owners Gary Cassidy, we hope the first of many at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, and David Bull at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron who have purchased VX One 243 and 350 respectively; as well as to new boat owners Evert Meyer and Peter Cheney who are both new to VX Ones and are proud owners of 412 and 413 at Royal Queensland.  Peter Conde and Steve Girdis have traded their usual ride on 243 for the brand new 415 after selling 243 to Gary.  

New boats will be ordered on an “as needed” basis. The next order is expected to arrive in November. If you are interested, please contact Peter Conde to reserve your boat.

As a result of Gary Cassidy’s purchase, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron are starting a Sports Boat Division to race every second Saturday. A  great interim step while the numbers build at the Club.

QLD State Championship & next National Championship

The QLD State Championship will be held on 13th and 14th December 2025 at RQYS. This is also the venue for the 2026 National Championship, which will be held from 13th to 18th January 2026. 
The full program is:

Tuesday 13 Jan Measuring and Registration

Wednesday 14 Jan   Racing

Thursday 15 Jan Racing

Friday 16 Jan Scheduled Reserve Day

Saturday 17 Jan Racing

Sunday 18 Jan Racing and Presentation 

So, book your accommodation! This is likely to be the largest VX regatta in Australia to date!