The VX One Class will be a vital part of the St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) set for March 25-27 hosted out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club. The 12 VX Ones are among a fleet of 80-plus yachts registered to race. The VX One Class holds its first international event, the VX One Caribbean Cup, a two-leg series that starts with STIR and concludes at the BVI Spring Regatta. This exciting and fast-growing Class is now sailed in nine countries worldwide. One of the dozen 19-foot VX One’s competing in this one-design Class is Australia’s Andrew York aboard his Australia Two. “I look forward to sailing against my U.S. VX One friends in good breeze and open water,” says York, whose sailing credits include representing Australia in 12 World Championships in four different classes, competing in two America’s Cups and coaching at a national and Olympic level. York’s crew are fellow Aussies, the father and daughter team of Rob and Nicole Douglass. Together, the Douglass’s have won multiple Australia Tasar titles and two World Championships. Separately, Rob is a Spiral National Champ and Nicole has competed on Australia’s Women’s World Match Racing Team. One of the U.S. teams York will be testing his skills against is George Gamble aboard My Sharona. “Beautiful clear warm water, great competition and a stiff breeze is what we’re looking forward to,” says Gamble, who won the J/111 World Championship and finished third at the VX One North American Championship last year. It’s a family affair for another U.S.-based VX One team on Commando. Helmsman Andy Walford, will be joined by crew of wife, Beth, and eldest son, Richard. “As club level sailors, we are looking forward to some warm water sailing in the brisk breezes of the Caribbean and a competitive regatta,” says Walford, who grew up dinghy sailing in the UK before moving to the U.S. in the late 1980s where he sailed in the 505 Worlds in 2004 and Melges 24 Worlds in 2011. “The VX One is well suited to the conditions to provide a really exhilarating ride. Along with the shore activities, it’s going to be a great vacation.” Check out STIR on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stirvi), Twitter @stycvi and Instagram #STIRSTT.
