With three screws in the knee, it was time for a new boat!

[Justin Scott]

What possible boat can you get when you have to say goodbye to sailing your beloved Viper?

Paul Gillard, owner of the infamous "Growler", the only Viper in Auckland NZ, decided to go large.

Paul is a multisport guy and besides sailing, there was cycling,kayaking and running plus diving. He wrote to me this week: 

"Unfortunately I had a recent fall on some rocks and fractured the Tibia where it joins the knee and now have 3 screws in there  and possibily facing a big rehab to get it right again so need to work round that...
   I have bought a 14m (46') Cat which is a pretty special boat – is only 6 years old and motors have less than 300 hrs plus all top gear and systems –picked it up for a really good deal and plan is to take it to the Pacific as much as possible ..plus around the North island here."

I will miss Paul's updates and pictures of racing Growler and none of us will ever forget its previous huge turbo'd rig. Growler has gone to 3 italians living in Auckland.  If you can find a new ride that will take your mind off a bum knee and a sold Viper, the PIzzaz is probably that ride!

Wishing Paul the very best of fortune as he cruises the pacific and a speedy rehab. 2 winters ago he spent 2 months cruising from Tahiti to Tonga so we sense some blue water in his future.

Man, that is a beautiful cruising boat!

[Paul Gillard]

Thanks Justin...must say buying Growler was a great move-even if I had never seen a Viper before !  This website helped heaps ...just bought it even though it was 600 miles away!
 Since then quite a few people have experienced the thrill ...including an ex centre board competitor who had migrated into launches ...after a season of Rum Racing he bought a new 50' yacht which was delivered  to Sydney and we sailed it up to the Whitsundays where we did the Hamilton Island Regatta ..then  sailed to NZ ..funny how things work out...
 If any Viperers are coming to Auckland feel free to get my contacts from Justin and I may be able to get you out on for a sail...
Has been great to see the class grow so steadily in the States ..your regattas make me envious!
 Cheers
 Paul

[Dan Tucker]

The cat is sweet, but WOW, look at that venue. Gorgeous! Can we have a Viper regatta there? Wherever it is?? Pretty please?!?

[Justin Scott]

The cat is sweet, but WOW, look at that venue. Gorgeous! Can we have a Viper regatta there? Wherever it is?? Pretty please?!?

The picture doesnt do the boat (Pizzaz) justice. I tried to post some other pics that Paul sent but the files were too big.

[Paul Gillard]

Dan...that is Broadlands on the Gold Coast ,Australia- near where P'zazz was built .  Have to admit ... it was taken by the previous owner before it was sailed to NZ...
Have been there though ..yes it is lovely but for a Viper regatta ..would drive you mad with sand banks ,narrow channels ,shifty winds but it does open up further out...  some great set ups though with private marinas running from front lawns..
  I did a 2month cruise in the Pacific 2 yrs ago on a friends Cat and it was kept in that area...lock up the house ..walk down your private jetty ..cast off and you are away....great set up

[Dan Tucker]

It's rainy, cold and miserable here at Rondar Raceboats USA. Yesterday it was gusting into the high 40's with mixed rain and snow.  So the only thing missing from that photo for me is a scantily clad woman serving a rum drink!