Latest Viper 640 Class News


Better Know a Viperer: Kay VanValkenburgh

Next up in our series is Viper veteran Kay VanValkenburgh, better known to some folks in the class as “the really tall guy with the blonde ponytail.”  And while that is accurate, you may also soon know him as “Viper Class Governor,” since Kay has been nominated by the class’s Executive Committee and existing Governor […]

Double Damned If You Do…

The Double Damned Race is a rite of passage for sporty sailors in the Pacific Northwest — 42 miles, point-to-point, usually downwind, on the scenic Columbia River from Cascade Locks to the dam at The Dalles.  It’s The Oregon Trail, and while you shouldn’t get dysentery, the windy run may give you the runs as […]

Better Know a Viperer: Harvey Barnes

Editor’s Note: We’re starting a new feature on viper640.org where every few days, we hope to profile a different Viper sailor so that everyone can get to know that person a bit better.  Skippers, crews, young and old are welcome. Harvey Barnes is between Vipers, but he’s still in the game.  Many of you have […]

A Silver Lining (or, how I learned to stop staring at the hole in my boat and love the Viper fleet)

Editor’s Note: Brian Barmmer is the owner of Viper 92 “Adrenaline” out of Marblehead, Mass. I am relatively new to sailboat racing. My first race was less than 5 years ago. Last year I purchased the first boat of any type I have ever owned…..a Viper . Everyone who participates in close quarter racing in […]

WHAT HAPPENS ON WHIDBEY, STAYS ON WHIDBEY

Editor’s Note: Whidbey Island Race Week, held July 16-20 in the lovely Pacific Northwest, was home to the Viper class’s Pacific Coast Championship in 2012. The sailors who attend this event are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: those who enjoy the rain and decide to live in Seattle, and those who enjoy […]

Doctor in the House – Par Deux

Ever since a broken spinnaker halyard robbed us of a win at Mardi Gras Race Week, Team FNG was still looking for its first major regatta victory.  We’ve been sailing consistently enough to finish 2nd at several regattas, but were hoping for better this weekend! Team FNG video Long Beach Race Week Long Beach served […]

Larchmont Memorial Day, Year 2

May 26-27, 2012 Larchmont, NY In 2011, Larchmont Yacht Club started its Viper fleet, and the northeast Viper contingent brought 16 boats down for its inaugural regatta.  In 2012, the Larchmont Viper fleet doubled in size, and once again hosted its annual Memorial Day Regatta for the Viper class.  The regatta counts not just toward […]

Just Undiscovered

I was in two minds about writing about the Wickford Regatta. Part of me wants to share this hidden gem of a regatta, and part of me wants it to remain undiscovered. This regatta didn’t decide any champions and it won’t make the headlines in the sailing press, but the former coach of the US Olympic […]

Level Playing Field

How tough was the Peloton at Charleston Race Week ? Consider this. There were 40 Vipers on the start line competing for our Atlantic Coast Championships and round 3 of the EFG Pan American Championships.   EVERY boat had at least two double digit finishes. Except for one boat, every boat had a finish worse […]

Road to Marblehead

Road to Marblehead July 2012   It was only a matter of time….. It had to come up… Just add…….. beers… “Who wants to do one of the regattas in the states?” someone asked. If a plane was handy, 12 West Australian Viper sailors would have been on it. After the alcohol effect receded, six […]