VX Two Information, Review, Specs

The story of the VX Two is rooted in MacKay Boats' strategic acquisition of the intellectual property rights to the VX range of boats in March 2024, a line that already includes the award-winning VX One and VX Evo models. Building on this foundation, the VX Two commenced production in 2024. The design collaboration involved Brian Bennett, who originated the VX concept, with Rodger Martin and Ross Weene executing the detailed design work. Ross Weene, a design engineer with Rodger Martin Yacht Design, brings a deep understanding of performance sailing to the project. The primary goal for the VX Two was to fill a gap in the market for a high-performance, one-design, two-person hiking skiff, utilizing the latest technology and industry knowledge to create a boat that is both quick and accessible. This approach aligns perfectly with MacKay Boats' long-standing ethos of precision manufacturing and a relentless pursuit of speed, which has consistently produced championship-winning vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The MacKay VX Two, with its lightweight displacement of just 205 pounds and a length overall of 15.68 feet, is engineered purely for speed and agility on the water. Its wide beam of 5.71 feet contributes significantly to its stability, allowing it to stand up to its generous sail plan. The boat features a fractional sloop rig and a centerboard keel, typical of high-performance dinghies. The VX Two boasts a combined upwind sail area (main and jib) of 135.63 square feet, which expands dramatically to an impressive 296.01 square feet when sailing downwind with its large gennaker. This substantial gennaker is a key indicator of its design for planing performance and blistering downwind speeds.

Reviews consistently describe the VX Two as "super-quick" and "mind-blowingly quick," yet surprisingly easy to sail. Its finely balanced hull allows for magical ease of handling and a responsive feel. Sailors report that the boat is "easy to get up on a plane," offering a well-balanced ride across various points of sail and conditions, making it a "pleasure accelerator" that ensures significant water contact for an engaging experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a high-performance, double-handed hiking skiff, the MacKay VX Two features an open cockpit layout focused entirely on performance sailing rather than interior accommodations. There are no enclosed living spaces or sleeping berths, and therefore no reported maximum headroom, as the boat is intended for day sailing and racing. The design prioritizes a functional and uncluttered deck for efficient crew movement and sail handling.