Royal Forth Yacht Club, in Edinburgh, welcomed 9 VX One’s for their 2016 UK national Championships over the weekend of 10th– 12th September. Crews attended from all over with representation from Torquay, Ullswater, Lock Earn, Tynemouth, Edinburgh and even Switzerland.
Racing began on the Saturday, in a light to moderate southerly breeze. Windward / leeward courses were set on the Forth, with excellent conditions welcoming the non Scottish visiting boats. It was Beat Steffan, from Switzerland, crewed by Chris Turner, who revelled in the conditions, producing a clean sweep of 1st places on the opening day’s 3 races. Completing the podium on day 1 was Kevin Anderson and Edmond Clarke from Ullswater, followed by local RFYC boat Willpower (Will Davies and Donald McLean). The day ended with an excellent commodore’s reception in the clubhouse.
Day 2 bought more wind and sunshine. With wind increasing to moderate to strong, the VX One’s showed some exhilarating sailing and handling skills, with speeds of 20+knots recorded. Five back to back races were held, in anticipation of even higher winds expected on the Monday. The son and father team of Monian and Adrian Peach, from Torquay, and Nathan Bachelor, finished the day with three 1st places, which moved them up the leader board. Anderson/Clarke and another family team from Ullswater (Donald, Charlie and Kathlyn Chandler) also took a 1st each. Steffan/Turner and Anderson/Clarke had solid string of performances during the day, leaving the top 3 boats ending day two overall with only 3 points separating them. The class dinner was held in the evening, with RFYC once again providing an excellent meal and hospitality.
All was to sail for on the final day, and as expected, the wind strengthened again, with winds gusting to 30 knots. The last two races were held to decide the final podium positions. In the end it was the Peach/Peach/Bachelor who deservedly won the UK Championships, followed by Anderson/Clarke and Steffen/Turner completing the podium. The Chandler’s won the top family prize (outside of the podium) in 4th.
Huge credit must go to Royal Forth Yacht Club and John Robertson (PRO) for laying on a fantastic event, both on and off the water, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. The VX One Class continues to build a strong reputation of having a great boat that produces some tight and adrenaline filled racing, supported by extremely friendly owners. The class now looks forward to next year, with events being planned for the Nationals, Inlands, Scottish Series in Tarbert and an inaugural Gold Cup event at Riva del Garda in August.