Got a regatta coming up in Singapore and trying to ensure that the correct Texel handicaps are used. Already had them correct the A-Cat from 100 to 101, but want to make sure the other boats are right. We are expecting 30 to 35 boats so should be a great turnout.

Now I believe that the Viper should be marked at 103 like the rest of the F16 boats, but Goodall and the local dealer think that it is 104 due to its excess weight.

But what I don't get is that the Viper was designed to the F16 box rule, but the builders/designers for some reason decided to make it more bloated and heavy rather than going for the class minimum weight. That is the only aspect where it differs from other F16 designs.

If it turned up at an F16 event it wouldn't get a credit for being heavier, so I believe that it should be rated at 103. We have a "F16 event" in April, so in that all boats won't have handicaps and where you finish across the line is your result, so you can't have it both ways. That to me is really taking the piss.

So looking to canvass views of what the F16 community thinks. We will be having 6 or so Vipers, and 10 or so Taipans all with kites racing. The guy with the Blade is unfortunately away.

Also find it funny that the Taipan is pushed as the older design here and need to upgrade to a more modern boat, but that boat rates slower!!

And whilst we are at it, what would the Texel rating be for a Taipan with a standard F16 spin, Taipan class jib, but a F16 design mainsail. And also the same boat with a 21 sq m kite.

Thanks!!