Robert Perry

Nathan Rothman

Mark Schrader

Rich Worstell

Valiant Yachts
to Celebrate
30th Anniversary

   WOW! It's hard to believe it's been 30 years since the first Valiant 40s began voyaging the oceans of the world. On the other hand, it seems like they have been around forever; setting records, accumulating miles logged, winning races and definitely blazing new trails for others to follow.

   There's been a lot of water passed under the keel over the past 30 years no doubt and there's been no lack of excitement along the way. The first circumnavigation in a Valiant started in that first year of 1975 by Bill and Mary Black (successfullycompleted in 1979) which triggered a 30-year succession of offshore accomplishments by Valiant owners. There were the early victories by Francis Stokes in the OSTAR and Bermuda One / Two races

and Dan Burne's successful completion of the 1982 BOC challenge. Then came a record-setting circumnavigation by Mark Schrader. Shortly thereafter Rich Worstell purchased Valiant Yachts and moved the operation to Texas with the first "Texas Built" Valiant being launched in 1985. Then came more records and circumnavigations, Valiant owners living aboard and raising their kids at sea, whale pounding stories, and a host of other tales to confirm Valiant.s offshore toughness, sailing qualities, live-aboard comfort, and safety at sea.

   Next came the re-design work of the 1990s that launched a whole new era for Valiant Yachts. And as the new Valiant models began to make their mark, the venerable Valiant 40 sailed straight into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame. Today, Valiant owners continue to set their own records as every year      somebody     somewhere      completes     a

circumnavigation or a passage of significance or wins an offshore race.    The sailing public continues to admire the brilliant Robert Perry design and as the boats continue to evolve, they continue to inspire, as evidenced at all of the boat shows where Valiants are displayed. The most recent, the Bay Area's Strictly Sail Pacific, was no exception. The drop-dead gorgeous Valiant 50 Center Entry Pullman was the star of the show as it seemed everyone including a host of competitors inspected and gushed over the boat.

   Even after 30 years, to paraphrase Jerry Lee Lewis, "there's a whole lotta Valiant goin' on" and to commemorate this milestone, Rich Worstell and the Valiant Factory will host a weekend celebration in September. On Friday night, September 16th, there will be a party for Valiant owners past and present. Bring a Texas-sized appetite for a Texas-style BBQ.
   Saturday, September 17th, will feature seminars by Robert Perry and Mark Schrader, tours of the Valiant factory and several Valiant Yachts will be in the water on display. That evening will feature a special dinner with speeches by Rich Worstell, Robert Perry and the founder of Valiant Yachts,   Nathan  Rothman.  There   will   be

some special presentations and awards, and afterwards, a live band will perform with plenty of fun for all.
   Sunday, September 18th, will feature a roundtable type question and answer session with Mark Schrader, Robert Perry, Nathan Rothman and Rich Worstell.
   A Schedule of Events and lodging information is on page 2 of this newsletter.