The 2026 Ultimate Guide to VX Sailing: New Zealand’s Global Speed Revolution

Vx One sailing boat cutting across open water under a steady breeze. The lightweight hull sits low on the waves while the tall mast and clean sail plan show its racing focus. Crew members balance on the edge, trimming sails for speed, with sunlight reflecting off the water around the boat.

A VX One sailing boat moving quickly through blue water, designed for one‑design racing. The narrow hull, large mainsail, and responsive rig highlight its performance style. Sailors work together to maintain balance and control as the boat heels slightly, leaving a smooth wake behind in clear conditions.

Vx One sailing boat moving quickly through blue water, designed for one‑design racing. The narrow hull, large mainsail, and responsive rig highlight its performance style. Sailors work together to maintain balance and control as the boat heels slightly, leaving a smooth wake behind in clear conditions.

In the landscape of modern sailing, a “disruptor” is defined by its ability to provide elite performance without the elitist price tag. The VX One has become that disruptor. With manufacturing now centralised at Mackay Boats in Silverdale, New Zealand, the class has moved from a “cult favourite” to an international standard for sportsboat racing.

This 2026 report explores the technical superiority, the market value, and the high-octane racing schedule that defines the world of VX Sailing.

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1. The Kiwi Advantage: Mackay Boats & Precision Engineering

Since Mackay Boats acquired the global IP for the VX range, the “Kiwi build” has become the gold standard.

Why Mackay Construction Matters

Unlike mass-produced fibreglass boats, a Mackay VX is built with the same DNA as their Olympic gold-medal-winning hulls.

  • Weight Consistency: Every hull is vacuum-bagged to ensure it meets the minimum class weight precisely, ensuring “one-design” fairness.

  • Carbon Integration: Partnering with Southern Spars (Auckland), Mackay delivers a rig that is more responsive than the original aluminium or standard carbon alternatives.

  • Global Logistics: Mackay’s Auckland facility now services the Southern Hemisphere and North America, while Ovington Boats (UK) maintains the European fleet under the same strict design licences.

 

2. 2026 Market Comparison: VX One vs. The Competition

To understand the VX One’s dominance, you have to look at how it compares to the two other “kings” of the sportsboat world: the J/70 and the RS21.

Feature VX One (Mackay) J/70 (J/Boats) RS21 (RS Sailing)
Length 19 ft (5.79m) 22.75 ft (6.93m) 20.8 ft (6.34m)
Weight 260 kg (Ultra-Light) 795 kg (Heavy) 650 kg (Moderate)
Crew 2–3 3–4 3–4
New Price (NZD Approx.) $75k – $82k (Fully Loaded) $140k – $160k $95k – $115k
Downwind Top Speed 22+ Knots 14–16 Knots 16–18 Knots
Cabin None (Open Cockpit) Small “Doghouse” None (Open)
Transport Fits 3 in a 20ft Container Single Trailer Single Trailer

The Verdict: The VX One offers roughly double the speed of a J/70 for half the price. While the J/70 has a larger global fleet, the VX One is winning the “fun-per-dollar” argument across the board.

 

3. 2026 Pricing Breakdown (Mackay Boats NZ)

Note: All prices are estimates based on 2026 Mackay factory quotes and exclude 15% GST.

The “Sailing Ready” Package

If you are looking to purchase a brand-new VX One in 2026, here is the realistic budget:

  • Hull & Rigging (Mackay Built): $52,800 NZD (includes carbon mast/boom and Harken fit-out).

  • Premium Sails (North/Doyle): $7,800 NZD (main, jib, and spinnaker).

  • Mackay Road Trailer: $8,300 NZD (galvanised with custom bunks).

  • Electronics (Vakaros/Atlas 2): $2,100 NZD.

Total Investment: Approximately $71,000 NZD + GST. For a world-class racing machine, this remains the best value in the high-performance market.

4. 2026 Global Regatta Calendar (Updated)

The 2026 season is the “build-up” year for the much-anticipated 2027 World Championships in Miami.

Southern Hemisphere (Australasia)

  • VX One Australian Nationals: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (Moreton Bay). Jan 13–18, 2026. (Recently concluded with record attendance).

  • Mackay NZ Nationals: Auckland, New Zealand. March 2026.

North American Circuit

  • VX One Midwinters: Miami, FL (Coral Reef YC). Feb 6–8, 2026.

  • Florida State Championship: Miami, FL. Feb 28 – March 1, 2026.

  • Bacardi Cup Invitational: Miami, FL. March 5–7, 2026.

  • Charleston Race Week: Charleston, SC. April 16–19, 2026.

  • North American Championship: Macatawa Bay, MI. Sept 24–26, 2026.

European Circuit

  • VX One European Championship: Eckernförde, Germany. July 7–12, 2026. (Racing back-to-back with Kieler Woche).

5. Technical Deep Dive: Why It’s Faster

The VX One is often called a “keelboat that thinks it’s a skiff.” This is achieved through three key design choices:

  1. The Chine: The hull has a sharp “corner” (chine) near the stern. When the boat heels, it locks onto this edge, providing incredible tracking and stability downwind.

  2. The Self-Bailing Cockpit: Because the boat sits so low, it is designed to take on water in heavy seas and shed it instantly through the open transom.

  3. The Single-Line Kite System: In most boats, launching the spinnaker requires three different movements. In the VX, one person pulls one line, and the pole, halyard, and sail all deploy simultaneously. This allows for “last-second” hoists that win races.

6. The VX Sailing Q&A (SEO FAQ)

Is the VX One suitable for older sailors?

Yes. While it is fast, the GNAV system (inverted vang) removes all clutter from the floor. This makes it much easier to move across the boat than a traditional dinghy.

How does the resale value hold up?

Because Mackay Boats produces such stiff hulls, the boats don’t “go soft” over time. A used 2022/2023 Mackay hull is currently fetching between $45,000 and $55,000 NZD on the second-hand market.

What is the “Evo” vs the “One”?

The VX One is the 19 ft keelboat. The VX Evo is a 15 ft hiking dinghy. The Evo is designed for single-handed or light double-handed racing and is significantly cheaper (approx. $30k NZD).

Where can I try a VX in New Zealand?

The largest fleets are currently based in Auckland (North Shore) and Wellington. Mackay Boats often hosts “Demo Days” at their Silverdale facility or local yacht clubs.

7. Conclusion: The Market Verdict

The world of VX Sailing is no longer a niche interest; it is a global movement. By combining New Zealand’s legendary boat-building expertise with a design that prioritises speed and simplicity, Mackay Boats has created a product that dominates the $70k–$90k sports boat bracket.

As we look toward the 2027 Worlds, the demand for both new and used VX Ones is at an all-time high. If you want a boat that can do 20 knots on a Sunday and be back on its trailer in 30 minutes, there is no better choice.

Need more infomation see:  https://mackayboats.com/ or https://vxsailing.com