2026 Newport Regatta - Feedback Request

[Eddie Wolfe]

Seeking Input from class members who would attend the 2026 Sail Newport Regatta. This event would be July 10-12, 2026 and well situated on the class calendar.  The Viper of course does not currently have a "Fleet" or local boats in Newport, however the event is very well attended and will make the addition of Melges 24s in 2026, whom also are not local.
2025 Results are here: https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative/50010

I have an open dialogue with Ken & Brad Read on the subject, and will speak again in person on 11/8.  The NOR in previous years indicates a 12 boat minimum for class formulation, which would be important for the ability to sail the event.  This is a good mutual location between New England boats from Maine to Long Island Sound. Please reply with your interest to gauge the value in pursuing.

[Mike Deyett]

This works for my boat to make it.  I think it's a good idea to have a presence at this event.

[Fletcher]

I'd be up for it - love sailing in Newport

[Peter Beardsley]

Outside chance I can make it, TBD.  I'd prefer it just be Saturday-Sunday - 3 days would make it a non-starter for me. 

[Justin S]

Newport, Boothbay, Marblehead Race Week........3 weekends in a row. Then Shelter Island shortly after that.

This was previously a big event for the Vipers. It got pushed aside by Larchmont Race Week. LRW has disappeared from our schedule.  Great to have Newport back.....but lets be careful not to spread ourselves too thinly across too many events.

We need to punch above our weight and have impact.

[Eddie Wolfe]

I'm fully aware of the proximity to other regattas that time of year fortunatley with no direct conflicts. The reality is that most teams will probably select two of the four. Each venue has it's own experience to offer and only the most well-traveled teams will do all of them. (Henry!)

At this stage it's just an effort to take a temperature if it's worth exploring further. With responses from 3 boats + Peter's 33% commitment, it's a decent start, So 3.33 Vipers. lol.
TBD on if it's a 2 or 3-day, Not necessarily critical at this time.  I agree it would be better to come back with 15+ And Marblehead & Noroton are 2+ hour drive on either side. Easy.   At this stage not looking to bog down on details, just gathering information if it's worth discussing with the Newport execs.   Good feedback, Who else would consider?

[Steve Chapman]

Great Lakes vipers are planning to attend the CORK Keel boat event that weekend, so unlikely you'll get GL boats to attend.

I would love to sail Newport though...

[Eddie Wolfe]

Good point Steve. While CORK is further for us, it's still in the neighborhood and should probably be the class priority in support Canadian fleets. I think most would agree that we'd still love to sail Newport. Perhaps the play would be to build interest as time goes on, and then show up in masses for a special occasion. (NYYC Wins AC?)
I put Cork on my personal schedule. It'll be either that or a friend's M24 in Newport then.

[Todd Cowen]

I am definitely interested in a Newport Regatta on the calendar and would make every effort to attend. If we can look forward and somehow avoid the CORK conflict that is a huge plus. CORK just 3 hour drive for me :). I'm hoping to do 3+ regattas in 2026.