History was made yesterday in Pittwater with RQYS’ Barney family taking out the coveted VX One Nationals, breaking the Mack One team’s six-year consecutive winning streak.

The Beast Sailing Team, skippered by Jordan Barney and with siblings Hayden Barney and Ayla 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.

“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. 

For more info, visit the event website here.

Photo: Nic Douglass @sailorgirlhq