Vipers Fighting

The Viper 640 class held its State Championships at South of Perth Yacht Club last weekend. A quality fleet of 9 boats sailing 8 races over two days in varying conditions provided great racing and a few spills.

Saturday morning saw westerly winds gusting to 24 knots with 30 degree wind shifts making for big gains (and losses). Rod Beurteaux handled the conditions best being the only boat not to have a spill and ended the day with 3 wins and a second. The annual BBQ lunch of gourmet fish tacos and premium wine saw the Viper class doing what they do best – socialising.

Sunday morning had 3 races in transition winds making for difficult racing. Past Viper World Champion Nick Jerwood showed his uncanny skills to score three wins. The seabreeze finally arrived and conditions were set for an intriguing battle with Jerwood leading by one point going into the last race. A recall on the start saw 3 boats go back including Jerwood. Beurteaux took an unassailable lead and won the title for a second year in succession. Jerwood was second with Albany sailor Michael Cameron taking out third.