I wouldn't say optimized, I would rather say better suited.

I sail the Viper single handed most of the time, so I can say that.

I would also say if you are only sailing single handed all of the time, I would say the Taipan might be better suited. But if you pick up crew, I would say you would be at a disadvantaged in races against the other boats.

The Taipan is the founding boat and it's a little dated but it still does well in races singlehanded and crewed.

In the End, it doesn't matter, it's the skill of the sailors.

Mike