SERO Sailing to Build the Viper 640 - A new era with the same class energy and culture
by SERO Sailing 10 Apr 21:00 BST
Viper 640 sailing © Beau Outteridge
The Viper 640 Class has appointed SERO Sailing as the new official class builder, marking an exciting new chapter for the popular high-performance one-design class.
With a vibrant racing calendar, expanding fleets, and a reputation for exciting, tactical competition, the Viper 640 continues to attract sailors seeking both performance and community. This appointment strengthens support for the sailors who have made the Viper 640 one of the most active sportboat fleets in the world.
"After a long search, we are excited to appoint SERO Sailing as the class builder. During our site visit we were impressed with the professional production facility and strong customer support team." said Steve Chapman, Chair of the Viper 640 Class Association. "Having a builder closely connected to the North American fleet will help keep the class strong, accessible, and growing."
The move reflects SERO Sailing's commitment to investing in the future of the class while ensuring owners and fleets benefit from closer collaboration, responsive support, readily available parts and consistent boat availability.
SERO Sailing CEO Chris McLellan says "I have a great deal of respect for what the Viper 640 class has built, it's an exceptional boat and an even stronger community. Our team is honored to take on the role of builder and is committed to delivering high-quality boats, reliable supply, and a long-term partnership with the class."
Known for being fast and fun, the Viper 640 is a World Sailing class that combines strong local fleet camaraderie with highly competitive international racing, including world championship events.
"The Viper 640 community is characterized by an extraordinary number of people who set a great example for how one-design sailing should be supported," said Todd Riccardi, Vice President of Sales at SERO Sailing, adding, "I'm excited to get out on the water and give them our full support."
SERO Sailing plans to begin production in June, working closely with the class to maintain strict one-design standards while delivering the quality and performance that Viper sailors demand. SERO intends to campaign its initial production boat at events this coming summer. Sailors interested in purchasing a new boat, spare parts, or accessories are encouraged to contact SERO.
About SERO Sailing
SERO Sailing is a sailboat design and manufacturing company based in Marine City, Michigan. The company originated from SunfishDirect.com, the world's largest retailer of Sunfish sailboats, serving recreational sailors, racers, camps, and sailing schools.
In 2022, after an extended period when new Sunfish boats and parts were unavailable, the team founded SERO Sailing and developed the SOL sailboat for sailors seeking a modern boat in the Sunfish tradition. In February 2025, SERO secured the rights to the Sunfish and Laser trademarks, brought production back to the USA, and resumed Sunfish production in April 2025. In August 2025, SERO also became North American Distributor for Fusion Sailboats from the UK.
To date, SERO has built more than 600 boats and supports a growing dealer network of with nearly 40 locations across North America, backed by dedicated teams in sales and customer service, marketing, production and procurement.
About the Viper 640 Class
The Viper 640 International Class Association is a member run association. The class remains proud of its grass roots origins, serving its sailor's interests above all others.
With over 300 boats built, there are Viper 640 fleets in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, South Africa, Arizona, California, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Long Island Sound, the Chesapeake, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the Pacific Northwest.
The Viper 640 is a 3-4 person sport keel boat designed to be fun, fast and affordable providing sailors with great competition and a very active social scene.