The Viper 640 Palma series kicked off in style with glorious sailing conditions in a beautiful location. Three ‘seasoned’ Viper teams made their way from the UK hoping for some respite from the cold, grey January weather at home. Rondar Raceboats had also shipped out some new charter boats allowing local sailors & teams from the UK unfamiliar with the Viper the chance to try the class.
Real Club Nautico de Palma ( RCNP ) is hosting this series with the aim to bridge the gap between the Superyacht racing & Youth dinghy racing, which is the clubs current focus. This weekend the Vipers had been invited to join the Trofeo Sant Sebastian Regatta a local cruising and one design event.
Saturday dawned warm & sunny allowing all the sailors time to boat bimble whilst the thermal breeze decided to switch itself on. By the time the fleet arrived at the start line the breeze arrived in style. The race started in 16 knots, it was clear that the ‘newbies’ to the class had a lot to learn. Lawrence, Luka & Hector stormed away with David, Ian & Jamie in hot pursuit despite ripping their kite on the way to the start.
The wind dropped a few knots for race two allowing everyone time to settle, & so the boat handling improved. This gave the local team, helmed by a top 470 sailor, the chance to shine but they still couldn’t catch the boys from Stone Sailing Club. By race three the wind was down to 10 – 12 knots with the fleet now tightly packed but Lawrence, Luka & Hector took another win.
RNCP hosted a free BBQ & drinks for competitors & the decision was made to bring the start time forward the next day as a 40 knot forecast was predicted.
The fleet arrived at the marina on Sunday morning to warm & windless conditions. But headed out knowing that wind was on it’s way, sure enough as the boats left the harbour the gradient wind began to build. Race 4 started in 18 knots but the fleet had prepared & wound on their rigs. The race team were not ready for our speed upwind so there was some confusion as the windward mark was laid late. The shifty conditions resulted in some ‘snakes & ladders’ position changing up by the shore. The HISC team found their legs & took the win whilst the next 4 boats had a close tussle for 2nd.
By race 5 it really started to blow with ragging mains & two teams making their way straight to shore. Lawrence, Luka & Hector were at ahead at the first mark & stayed in front to seal the event victory. Race 6 was cancelled just in time as the gale arrived mid afternoon.
RCNP hosted a fantastic event but then with warm sun, good winds, great food & lovely wine what’s not to like about Palma!
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GBR274 | HECTOR CISNEROS | HECTOR CISNEROS | STONE SAILING CLUB | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 | GBR260 | S/N | DAVID HITCHCOCK | HAYLING ISLAND | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
| 3 | GBR242 | TEAM RCNP | RCNP | RCNP | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 | GBR640 | LOOPX | BARTOLOME RIERA COLL | RCNP | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 17 |
| 5 | GBR241 | V1 | JONATHAN GILLESPIE | RORC | 5 | 5 | 6 | 3 | DNF | 19 |
| 6 | GBR285 | RONDAR BOATS | DEBBIE JARVIS | HISC | DNF | 7 | 4 | 4 | DNC | 24 |
| 7 | GBR270 | TEAM GROWLER | JON DIXON | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | DNF | 28 | |
| 8 | GBR24 | MYC3 | SVEN HADLER | MYC | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | DNF | 29 |
Video at https://youtu.be/oqc1hsEL65w
Pics © Ugo Fonolla / Viper 640 Winter Series Palma
The next event is on the 16/17 February – Trofeo Noli Regatta (local cruising and one design event); followed by the Princess Sofia Regatta in March plus two more regatta’s in May/June. Full details about the series & chartering a Viper is at https://www.vipersailpalma.com/
