The Viper is raced PHRF in many parts of the US. The Class Association continues to collect rating data and is happy to act as a resource for PHRF measurers and Race Organizers. The Class Association has worked closely with PHRF measurers and Race Organizers in order to develop recommended class rules to meet PHRF safety standards for coastal and inshore racing. 

The Viper Class is an enthusiastic participant in PHRF racing and we deeply appreciate the close relationship we have with regional PHRF authorities and their input into our recommended Class Rules,   

Ratings 

Here is a comprehensive list of rating data for regions where the Viper is raced PHRF. We include current number of boats racing PHRF and how many seasons the Viper has been racing PHRF:-

The number of boats racing is based on the current number of Vipers actually racing in PHRF events in the region. The number of seasons is the total number of seasons that the Viper has raced PHRF in the region. The rating is base on the 2008 PHRF certificates issued in the region unless otherwise noted.  We have used the data of actual current PHRF certificates where available.

 (i) The base rating in LIS will be reviewed in light of greater drag of enlarged keel bulb, benefit of carbon mast and effect of reduced crew eight.

(ii) No New England boats have PHRF certificates but occasionaly race under the courtesy rating.

(iii) The PHRF ratings list, lists a rating of 81 for the Viper at Charleston. The only Viper that ever raced PHRF at Charleston was a heavily modified boat (with traveler, custom jib cars etc) that briefly raced during the 2006 season.

Weighted Average Rating (Weighted by number of boats)  107.9

Weighted Average Rating (Weighted by number of boats x number of seasons) 107.7

Average  (By region )  105.5 (excludes regions without at least one season of experience)

Comparison to Melges 24.

The simple average of the ratings difference between the Melges 24 and the Viper in locations where active fleets of both classes exist is +9 (Melges owes Viper 9 secs).

Much thanks to Thomas Leith for his help in obtaining PHRF data and discussions on methodology.  

Critical Dimensions

Recommended Class Rules - PHRF

When racing PHRF, we recommend that the Viper 640 has the following requirements:-

1. All crew members must wear a coastguard approved PFD with a whistle at all times from the warning signal until the finish. If a Viper retires or otherwise withdraws from a race before finishing, the crew must wear PFDs until they return to the dock.

2. No part of any crew member shall extend outboard of the gunwale unless both feet are securely hooked under the hiking straps.

3. The boat shall carry the following equipment:-

• A 4lb Danforth anchor and 60 ft anchor line.
• A foghorn
• A compass
• If racing within 1 hour of sunset, a set of portable navigation lights that can be securely attached to the boat.
• Three hand held flares.
• A paddle or an outboard motor
• A floating position marker.

4. The boat shall have safety lines installed along the under the gunwale as specified by Rondar Boats.

The Viper does not have stanchions and life lines. The Class Association has discussed this matter with several Race Organizers and Yacht Racing Authorities. The conclusion of the PHRF authorities and the Class Association is that life lines would not be effective on a Viper. Instead Rondar Race Boats has responded by designing safety lines installed along the gunwale, and the Class has instituted the "hiking strap" rule.