Hi Karl,
For distance racing, the best thing is to have an extra of everything. Some Worrell teams would just trail a second boat up the coast. However, a complete rudder assembly, including cross bar and tiller are most important. I wouldn't cary any spare parts on the boat—other than rigging pins and a couple extra shackles (and plenty of 100-mile-an-hour-tape). That what ground crew is for. I'm not familiar with the Texas race, but on the east coast, you'd want to stay fairly close to shore anyway, so it easier to beach it for repairs. I'd take a spare mast rather that put a heavier one on the boat. The stock mast should be able to handle it if you sail it right. I think the Viper would be a great boat for this race, but only sailed with crew! Good luck to you if you try.

Incidentally, I was told that you sail a viper single handed with a "uni-cut" sail. I just purchased the same sail for my Blade and I'm looking for some specs for Spreader Rake, Spreader length, Diamond wire tension, and resulting pre-bend to tune my mast for that sail. Would you be willing to share what specs you use?
Thanks,
John
F16 Blade