Karl, to answer your question, I saw no "advantage or disadvantage" to either boat in the GYC regatta that featured both, well, only one Falcon but sevral Blades and Vipers.

Here's something to consider however, the Falcon is a USA produced product and if you need some part, quick, you can get it next day overnight, or on the spot, at a regatta, if Matt is there.

Matt has bailed me out a couple times by giving me spare parts out of his box at a regatta. I don't know if you can find some of the parts (rudder parts, boom, etc.) for a Viper on the spot at a regatta.

But you are up in MN, right? So I don't know if you will find -any- parts for either boat unless you come to Florida to race, which, given the winters in MN, might be your best chance of sailing for 6 months of the year...And did I tell you I need new cabinets in my Kitchen and bathrooms? Want to make a deal next January?