DEMAND RISES FOR VIPERS SINCE US GULF STATE INTER-CLUB SELECTION
The recent selection of the Viper 640 by the GYA has led to considerable demand for the Viper 640, both in sales of used and new boats. Already shipments have been made from Rondar’s production base to the many clubs involved.
NEW 18 BOAT FLEET COMPETE AT THE US GYA GULF EVENT
The GYA’s Opening Regatta was competed by US Gulf sailing clubs (GYA) and by a rotating teams of club members. The new 18-boat Viper fleet selected by the GYA was used for the first time with great success.
Stepping back from the competition itself, this regatta was a major threshold that the Viper Class, the GYA, and Rondar Raceboats crossed together. Many of the GYA clubs have purchased pre-owned Vipers but eight competitors had brand new Vipers, delivered early May to Fairhope USA. More are on order for future delivery. This is a competitive series and the new Viper will be the first choice for inter-club racing.
Rondar’s Paul Young and Dan Tucker, assisted by Don Faircloth and Kip Keelin (among others), unpacked the new boats, trailed them to the Club and, joined by Buttons Padin, spent Friday before the event helping the new owners set-up and learn their new boats.
VIPER 640 UK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
This is to be held at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club 15th -18th September, combined with the K6 National Championships.
There is a great slipway available with launching possible at most states of the tide. There is also a crane available at the RLymYC. Pontoons are available both at the Club and on the Harbour Master’s pontoon nearby (contact Lym Harbour Master for booking). A large car park is positioned right outside the Yacht Club.
Viper’s are very active in the USA and interest is growing around the world with fleets in Australia, Canada, Bermuda and the UK. The Class is now working towards International status especially with the planned championship event in Bermuda this coming November.
20th ANNIVERSARY AND MAJOR INTERNATIONAL REGATTA IN BERMUDA
2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the design of the Viper 640 and the 10th anniversary of the relaunch of the Class Association. The Class is now a truly international class with Viper 640 fleets active in seven nations across three continents.
The Class Association is celebrating these milestones by hosting the first Viper 640 International Championship, with sailors competing for a prestigious new trophy open to Viper teams from around the world. The International Championship will be hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club on Bermuda’s Great Sound November 16-19, 2016, preceded by a warm-up regatta November 13-14.
There are over 50 Viper 640s already registered for the International Championship, with representative teams coming from North America, Europe and Australia, and it is anticipated this number will grow in the coming months.
This will be the largest one–design keel boat regatta ever hosted in Bermuda. If you want to sail a Viper then contact Paul Young, Rondar Raceboats, without delay
read more!
THE K6 UK NATIONALS
The K6 UK Nationals on 15-18 September 2016, will be hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, alongside the Viper 640 Class. This is an ideal venue with racing in the Solent, launching by either crane or slipway at almost all states of the tide, ample pontoons and car parking, lively socials, plus a good selection of accommodation within walking distance.
Entry: The Entry fee will be £185/boat for all entries received before 21 August 2016. There is a late entry levy of £45 for any boats entering after that date.
Preliminary Programme:
| Wednesday 14 September |
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| Registration |
Clubhouse |
1700 - 1900 hrs |
| Bar & Galley Open |
Clubhouse |
1800 hrs |
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| Thursday 15 September |
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| Registration |
Clubhouse |
0930 – 1200 hrs |
| Race Briefing |
Clubhouse |
1200 hrs |
| 2 Races back to back |
|
1400 hrs |
Curry Night
(£10/person, book with entry) |
Clubhouse |
1930 hrs |
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| Friday 16 September |
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| K6 2016 AGM |
Clubhouse |
0900 hrs |
| 3 Races back to back |
Clubhouse |
0900 hrs |
| Drinks Party |
East Hayes (Heather’s!) |
1830 hrs |
Dinner
(£26/person, book with entry) |
Lanes Restaurant
www.lanesoflymington.com |
2030 hrs |
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| Saturday 17 September |
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| 3 Races back to back |
|
1200 hrs |
Remote Control Yachting
(Price tbc - book with entry) |
Sea Water Baths |
1830 hrs |
Gin tasting
(Price tbc - book with entry) |
Clubhouse |
1730 hrs |
Championship Dinner
(£20/person - book with entry) |
RLymYC |
1930 hrs |
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| Sunday 18 September |
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2 Races back to back
(Last start no later than 1430hrs) |
|
1100 hrs |
| Championship Prizegiving |
Clubhouse |
c.1600 hrs |