JJ,

Ducati Scott (Scott McCook) is one of the main pushers behind the AHPC Viper F16.

Additionally the VWM Blade F16 that went to Singapore is of the 2005 variety with an Ulman suit of sails and McKenzie set of rudders etc. The newer VWM versions have progressed significantly beyond the 2005 version (very first) in my personal opinion. I have personally crewed on both versions and the 2007 version with EU boards was a significantly better boat all-round. In fact this version with the same skipper came second in this years Global Challenge. Sadly, the Viper was unable to complete its series.

I'm writing this down as I feel you should be aware of what the guys in Singapore are using as a "benchmark". Basically the Blade F16 versions currently sold by VWM will compare much to the older 2005 version as the new Viper does. The Viper does have a different volume distribution however that improves its downwind ride as does the Aussie build Blade F16. VWM never changes the hullshape from the original model, while it did change the foam core, the laminate layup and local reinforcements to improve the final product and reduce its weight.

Also note that the Viper team will consistantly advertise that "blowing up the boat" will result in 120 kg ready-to-sail weight or more. Fact of the matter is that all F16 builders (VWM, Australian formula cats and Stealtmarine) are building F16's down or under minimum weight using the alu mast. All of these designs have more volume enclosed in the hulls then the Taipan with the Stealth and Aussie Blade having lots more volume in the hulls.

While I personally believe the Viper to be a good boat and I will say both in public and private that a 120 kg F16 will be a fast puppy; I don't think that any comparisons to a 2005 VWM Blade (first batch) is a good and honest endeavour. Much like "benchmarking" the 2007 prototype 137 kg Viper F16 would be fair.

My own widened and upgraded Taipan F16 weights 120 kg ready to sail and is pretty fast. A friends early F16 is of the same weight with an early 2006 Ashby suit of sails and we are sailing that boat down to its European F16 rating (= basically same as F18 rating). I don't think that 13 kg overweightness to the absolute minimum (107 kg) that the Viper F16 is now claimed to be is a major drawback. Although I personally do lay the line at 125 kg "garanteed and confirmed". The development going into the sails and systems is far more important. I say this out of personal experience with two 120 kg F16 boats. But of course I'm equally convinced that say a 110 kg Viper F16 will be better then a 120 kg (or 125 kg). Basically the first boat will be able to carry a heavier crew at the same performance. This may not be a much importance for crews at Singapore, who I classify as typically light), but it may matter to crews from north-west Europe who tend to come in above of 145 kg. The crews I have formed with the owners mentioned in this post are betwee 155 and 160 kg so my experiences are derived from boats being sailed by heavy crews. My own boat is a homebuild upgraded and widened Taipan 4.9

I hope this all helps.




I don't think things are so hot when even I on a homebuild boat (absolute amateur) are passing them on the downwind leg. Personally, I don't go for looks but for real performance !

And of course there is not a more manly picture then a solo F16 skipper trapping downwind under a spinnaker. Looks way better then crounching in the middle of the tramp doing the wildthing trying to saw your way through the mainsheet blocks !

Honestly, the A's have a very nice class going with very high grade international events and technical innovation, however there is more to the comparison. Performance wise I don't really dare call a winner in a contest between an A and a F16. That spinnaker is a huge boost downwind and the A has to be really in front on the upwind or see its lead disappear within seconds almost. Sailing under spinnaker is a huge recreational crew pleaser, it is just so much more fun. The F16 is also a significantly better distance racer/tourer then the A, which is also not unimportant for recreational crews as that is often the only type of race they do. Often there isn't alot up straight upwind work in these events, which is by far the biggest strongpoint of the A. The differences technology wise between the A's and F16 are not that great. Put a well developped carbon rig on a well tested F16 platform and there will be almost nothing between these two types of boat. The F16 can be raced very well against other modern spi boats like the F18's which are unbundanned the world over. The A-cat / F18 comparison is problematic to such an extent that A's often are placed on a seperate course then the F18's. No A-cat skipper enjoys rounding the A-mark in front of a pack of aggressive F18 crews. As soon as they round the mark they put up the kite and go hunting downwind where the A's are indeed unpredictable obstacles that snake about downwind unless they were really far in front when rounding. After that is pretty much game-over as even an A has trouble getting back in the lead through a pack of 10 larger boats producing lots of dirty air. The F16 will handle such a mixed fleet better then the A, mostly because it can defend its position downwind and even gain on this leg; thus setting itself up for a good second upwind leg.

This are things to consider in my opinion.

Wouter