Australian VX One Midwinters at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Michael James leading race 7 before the rain cloud on day 3 of the Australian VX One Midwinter Championship © Nic Douglass / www.AdventuresofaSailorGirl.com

Daniel Alcock sending it to second place on day 3 of the Australian VX One Midwinter Championship © Nic Douglass / www.AdventuresofaSailorGirl.com

After nine races over three days of racing at the VX One Midwinters from the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, it all came down to the final race between two local sailors, Brett Whitbread on SuperVax and the Angry Beaver skippered by Daniel Alcock.

The first race on Monday, the seventh in the series was started in an eight to ten knot southerly, not at all what was forecast. Michael James on The Beast was quick off the blocks, but Freddo Kasparek of Canberra Yacht Club managed to round just ahead, with SuperVax and at the time second placed skipper Brett Whitbread in third. The top three at this stage were all two-up crews, indicative of the lighter conditions. By the gate The Beast had the lead, ahead of Kasparek, SuperVax, Speedwagon and Finger Jam.

On the second work, a large raining cloud moved in from the left of the track, and the breeze shifted left 40 degrees. Kasparek managed to peg James back, and Daniel Alcock, who rounded the gate in last position managed to sail through and round in fourth just behind SuperVax. The pressure increased dramatically on the final run to the finish, and with the major left shift, most boats couldn't lay on starboard gybe. SuperVax made the most of the tactical change to go on and win the race, followed by Daniel Alcock, The Beast, Speedwagon and X.

For race eight the Sou'easter that was forecast at 15 to 18 knots appeared to be settling in. The right hand side paid dividends on the first work, apparently due to the tide, and the locals again showed the visitors the way, with SuperVax leading from start to finish ahead of the Angry Beavers and The Beast, taking an all RQYS podium in two out of two races for the day.

The breeze settled at 18 knots and 130 degrees for the third and final race of the day and the series, race 9. Daniel Alcock and his team on board Angry Beaver basically had no choice but to win the race to have a shot at the title with a second drop coming into play at nine races, and SuperVax couldn't finish with more than one boat in between. Alcock's team were off to a quick start, continuing to extend their lead over SuperVax as the race went on. The heavier Speedwagon crew skippered by Andrew York moved into second up the final work as the breeze started to increase ahead of an approaching front, and the other three up crews closed on SuperVax. SuperVax pulled out all stops to get around the top mark in the top three.

Alcock and his team absolutely motored down the last run ahead of the approaching front, giving themselves every chance to take the title. Coming into the final gybe, it was all on, so much so that the Angry Beavers wiped out for the second time in as many days within 50 metres of the finish line. His crew did an awesome job to clear the halyard and douse the kite, and even with the swim the young guns crossed the line in first for the final race of the series. Andrew York finished second, with SuperVax in third, enough to take the title!

Check out the video from with on water interviews and on water action, as well as the galleries of images on Facebook, or the full results below.

Thanks to the sponsors of the VX One Midwinter Championships for their amazing support of the class, not just at this regatta; Boating and RV, Moreton Bay Signs and Beast CNC & Design.

And on a personal note, a massive thanks to all who have assisted me to purchase a new camera following damage in the floods last week in NSW when my car flooded. Pipeline Drillers in particular have been amazing, and I am proud to say they are now one of my key "Friends".

Until next time, there are more adventures on my social channels, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram or at www.AdventuresofaSailorGirl.com

Overall Results: