The VX One is one the new generation of hybrid racing designs, in this case a design that targets the longer (17 to 19 or 5 to 5.8 meters) dinghy market in the U.S.. The VX One is that modern mashup of dinghy, skiff, and keeler concepts. It borrows most from the skiff world; the fat arse, narrow bow sections, flat rocker, assymetric and roachy full-battened sailplan. To calm it down a bit, it has a lifting keel of about 60 kg (135 lbs.). The VX Ones length, sail area, overall weight and, no hiking assists, it is raced as a hiking sailboat, puts it out there as a modern market alternative to Americas longer traditional hiking dinghy classes; the Lightning, Thistle, and Flying Scot. Conceived and designed by Brian Bennett, with naval architect data crunching by Rodger Martin (who also did the Johnson 18 in the early 1990s) and Ross Weene, the VX One seems to have maintained steady growth in the U.S. since 2011. Though I couldnt find a price on the InterWebs, The VX One seems to be pricier than any of the aforementioned traditional large dinghies, and definitely more balls-to-the-wall than family oriented racing. Is this hybrid concept the way of the future in America small boat racing, where we seem to treasure both stability and performance?
Here is a very nice video of the VX One with the obligatory planing-at-full-speed filling up most of the footage.
Best of VX One Sailing from Ian Maccini on Vimeo.
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