Viper F16

Project preview

About

The Formula 16 (F16) is a high performance World Sailing recognised open-maufacturer class. Goodall Design released the viper in 2007 with the foiling version launched in 2019 on the same platform. At 5 metres long and weighing approximately 130 kg, the class inhabits a killer power-to-weight ratio allowing the boat to take on the bigger classes.

History

Once the NACRA 15 campaign came to a close, I spent a lot of time figuring out what was to come next. I identified key attributes needed which included a World Sailing spinnaker catamaran class and the ability to fit hydrofoils. These requirements drastically reduced the number of eligible boats down to 2. The Olympic NACRA 17 was not an option since I was still sailing with my brother, a sailmaker, and the class has a strict mix gender requirement. The Foiling Viper convertible was the best option for our established needs. The F16, fitted with straight boards, would become our dedicated race class in prepartion for international competition at the Formula 16 world championships while we could also build our foiling skills by inserting the Z-boards and foiling rudders. See more on the Foiling Viper.

We were thrown straight into the deep-end by taking delivery of the viper at the 2022 Victorian state championships. The competition in the F16 was fierce being a more senior class compared to the NACRA 15 with well established teams. We manged to finish the event in third place even taking a race win. With approximately 9 months experience in the class, we travelled to Meningie, South Australia for the 2023 Formula 16 national championships. After 17 gruelling races, we finished in second place, behind eventual world champion team - a result we were very proud of. In 2024, we were forced to make the tough decision to suspend our campaign for the Formula 16 world championship held in Italy due to serious injury and illness. We are now training and preparing for the next world championships in 2026. We have recorded a top speed of 23.5 knots during racing on the F16.

Notable Results

  • 3rd 2022 VIC Formula 16 State Championship
  • 4th 2022 NSW Formula 16 State Championship
  • Champion 2022 QLD Formula 16 State Championship
  • Vice-champion 2023 Formula 16 National Championship
  • Champion 2023 QLD Formual 16 State Championship

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