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As with all boats, but especially with small boats, the compromise between accomodation and sailing performance are at odds with each other. Small boats with "full standing headroom" have always been ungainly and never proved themselves to be worthy into the wind, whereas small boats that do sail well traditionally could not be regarded as anything more than a "dinghy with a lid" and not really comfortable enough to spend any amount of time on. Take a test sail on a Viva however and you will discover that a better balance of sailing performance and cruising comfort in boats of this size category would be difficult to imagine. Her rewarding sailing performance is thanks to features such as; Fully battened mainsails - For a stiffer foil, and more efficient mainsail. Slab reefing is standard. 7/8 Fractional rig - Easily adjustable back-stay and fractional rig allows for fine tuning when underway. High Ballast Ratios (approx 35%) - The generous fixed ballast provides high stability characteristics (150 degree Angle of Vanishing Stability - AVS for Viva 700) and allows the Viva Yachts to carry their canvas confidently. Also note that this stability is retained regardless of the position of the centre-plate. Dry-Out with Confidence - The fully retracting keel means she will sit on the bottom or a beach properly, and you can have real comfort in the knowledge that she is sitting on the her internally fixed ballast, so the hull bottom is exceptionally thick, strong and solid at the point upon which she sits. Those seeking enhanced performance might also consider the optional asymetrical Gennakers, with retracting bowsprit. Sailing is made easy with standard features such as; Standard rigid boom vang - Removes the need for a topping lift, resulting in fewer ropes - less clutter. All control lines lead to cockpit - for easy short handed sailing. Wide and uncluttered deck spaces - shrouds all lead inboard rather than to gunwales. Instant draining cockpit - in heavy weather you are not relying on fragile cockpit plumbing. Water flows away instantly and unobstructed |