4 new F16s (Vipers) were spotted this past weekend at St Andrews Bay YC (Panama City, FL) this past weekend. The first deliveries from the first US container. I believe a joint assembly, rigging and training camp was held with Robbie D.

Can any of the attendees comment (they may still be at the training camp)?

Awesome!!!!!

We arrived at the YC late friday afternoon and started assembling the 3 boats. Immediately, I was impressed with the pre-work that had been done at the factory and by Robbie. The tramps were installed as well as the cleats and many of the control lines. Having said that, one should still allow a full day for boat assembly. Robbie did a great job helping everyone and was very patient.
We spent most of the day Saturday assembling the boats and finally got on the water in the late afternoon. Most of that time was spent getting familiar with the boats. Robbie did some filming that we viewed and discussed that evening at the YC. This was extremely helpful.
Sunday, we had some on shore instruction while waiting for wind. Around noon, we finally got on the water. Andre and I sailed 2 up, Evan Miller was one up on his dad's boat, Chris Amadore was one up on the Blade (with new Goodall Sails) and Taylor Reece was 2 up on the F18. (Taylor is a regular coaching client). We sailed around for a while getting instruction from Robbie and then had 3 short races.
The boat sails much like an F18 except that it is more responsive and more sensitive to weight placement. Right out of the box, I felt that I was competitive with the F18. We had some issues raising and dowsing the chute, but that was probably attributable to my inexperienced crew and her technique. I hope to resolve these issues this weekend in Pensacola. In general, the boat is fantastic and a dream to sail. Robbie's coaching was excellent for all of our levels of experience.
The Viper sails much like an F18, only more responsive and more sensitive to weight positioning. Most of the systems work well and are easy to use. I love the light weight (265 lbs.) and ease of moving it around. The mast is light and very easy to raise and lower. I love the boards and the pull up system. The rudder lock down system will take some getting use to. I think it would be an issue launching in surf. Just like any boat, there are some personal prefernce items that I will change. I prefer an adjustable tiller and a yoke style connection, which I have already changed. I will also be changing the line in the main blocks as I feel that it is too fat and has too much friction in the blocks. 8mm Robline or Salsa would be better choices. With that exception, the other lines are of excellent quality and are properly matched for the various applications. I wish the outhaul adjustment were on the bottom of the boom versus the top - I found it hard to adjust. My boat took on water in 3 of the 4 compartments, so I will need to find and fix the leaks. I don't think anyone else had water issues. Also, I would like to devise a system (like the Infusion) that releases the rotator for downwind and then returns it to the exact upwind setting as before. I also want to add a positive rotation system that holds the mast in rotation for light or choppy conditions.
Overall, I could not be more pleased with the boat. I feel like a kid on Christmas. I can't wait for the weekend!

"We had some issues raising and dowsing the chute, but that was probably attributable to my inexperienced crew and her technique."

Hey Andy-We knew you would like the boat . Looking forward to sailing against you straight up this time. Maybe see you at Spring Fever or the Invitational?!
Enjoy!!!!

Thanks. Hopefully I will make both events.

Andy, in addition to those two events, there should be a good group of F16's at the Kelly Park River Regatta, June 6+7, near Cocoa Beach. Let me know if you need directions, it's very easy to find and a great location for cat racing.

For my part, I'm such a newbie I've got a long way to go before I get to race. Never-the-less it is like chrismas. the boat is fantastic and fully operational one-up. Robbie and the whole crew were great to work with putting the boats togeather, and getting out to water. I spent most of the time on the water sticking to fundamentals and hanging on for dear life. Flying a hull alone was a new experience. Flying one with a chute was even more of an out-of-body experience. Big learning curve here to take advantage. The only problem is now I can't focus on anything but how to get back out there.

Awesome!

Agreed,

As long as your enjoying it.

What else matters ?

Thanks Timbo, but we have a regatta that weekend in Navarre at Juanas. I think that we will have a fleet of F16s.

This boat is a game changer! Amazing amount of power. They got this one right. Robbie and I (at 400+ pounds) were double trapped in 10-12 knots, boards 1/2 up, with power in reserve. I would'nt believe it if I wasn't on the boat and experienced it first hand. It will be interesting come end of the year. . .

Now go sail it solo, downwind with spinnaker, it's the most fun you can have with your pants on!

Philip,

I take it you are happy with your choice then

Now go and spread the word!

Hey Rolf,
Not my choice, . . . yet, but the exposure to the Viper has educated me to a lot, and that this boat will change things. It is my belief that it has made a dramatic advance to what is happening with F16. Like I said, alot will happen here in US this year like the Alter Cup, open class races, and such. At the end of the year, the Viper will draw alot of attention, and will simply close the gap on the 18's and 20's. This dog will run. . . . It has got me thinking.

Philip,
Any of you guys coming down to Pensacola for midwinters?

I'm coming down early, mid week, with the N20. Really nice N20 class this year, I think we already have 16 pre-reg, and expecting 20+.

It is exiting to read your report !

We are always happy to welcome another enthousiast.

Yet, I feel alot is contributed to the Viper that is not really its doing. Closing the gap to the 18's and 20's was already done by the F16 class as a whole. Crews have been running with "the 18/20 foot pack" on Blade's and Stealth's for quite a while now. And the Viper F16 rig is basically the next iteration in a development that was started on the Taipan F16's and Blade F16's that use the exact same masts and had proven the viability of the concept with Landenberger, Ashby and Glaser sails.

I dare say it is the F16 as a class that is continuing to do what it set out to do; as you righlty said : "Change things".

The Viper F16 is the latest installment !

And again it is shown that the best way to explain the F16 class is to have somebody take a test ride. as no-one believes what we say or claim before having it experienced themselves. Then there is no denying it.

And as always; F16 growth maybe gradual but it is also garanteed !

Wouter

Chris - I cannot make it. Spring Break for the kids and we are going skiing.

How do you like the new Goodall sails?

Chris - I'm sailing the f16 at Carl Grey Park on Saturday. Bob Curry is coming. There will also be 1 or 2 N20s and 1 or 2 f18s. I'm sailing the f16 at MW- It's rumored that you are crewing on a f18? Steve Miller