Wind-Whisked Weekend: Dollop Claims Victory at VX One Victorian State Titles, Brighton

The 2026 VX One Victorian State Titles witnessed fierce competition and remarkable sailing suspense at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club. Delivering a varied range of conditions across six races, the event saw visiting teams from interstate ruling the podium.

A robust fleet of 13 boats braced the waters of Port Phillip, with four races crowded on a Saturday that served a fresh, shifty breeze and a tumultuous sea. The following day brought more tranquil conditions, which challenged sailors with their demand for patience, as well as precision.

Among the contenders, Dollop, skippered by Rob Douglass alongside Nicole Douglass and Josh Griffith, admirably demonstrated their ability to balance speed and power, irrespective of the weather’s whims. Their intelligent use of winds, superb navigating through difficult waters and consistent performance over the weekend earned them a well-deserved victory with a total score of 10 net points.

From unsettled beginnings, to managing unexpected man overboard event, the team demonstrated resilience and deftly recovered their rhythm. Their clever rig setup and focus on wave work and maintaining speed proved effective.

Rob expressed appreciation for the hospitality of the Royal Brighton Yacht Club and the fierce competition brought by visiting teams. He also recognised the Victorian VX One fleet for their warm welcome and congratulated everyone for a thrilling weekend of sailing.

The team of Dave Alexander, Mitch Young and Harry Shlager of South Australia claimed the second-place spot aboard Gidget. Their persistent performance and strategic navigation kept them in contention throughout the series. The podium was rounded-off by another South Australian team, helmed by Doug Watson aboard the Yaffayat, making for a clean sweep by interstate teams, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the event.