Tornado
Go To: Sailing - Dinghy Classes - Catamaran - Double Handed
Fastest commercially produced cat
| Specifications |
|---|
| Beam (width): 3.05m |
| Length: 6.09m |
| Weight: 175kg |
| Crew: 2 |
| Ideal Crew Weight: 135-170kg |
| Sail Set: Main, Jib, Spinnaker |
| First Year of Manufacture: 1967 |
| Manufacturer: Marstrom / Graham Eeles |
More Information
The Tornado was designed almost 30 years ago, specifically to be the Olympic Class catamaran. It easily defeated the other challengers in a selection event in the UK in 1967, and sailed its first Olympics in 1976.
Constant refinement of underwater shapes, construction techniques, and sail plan has seen the boat continue to go faster and faster. Now equipped with over 49sqm of sail area, twin trapeze, carbon mast and asymmetric spinnaker, the boat is capable of an incredible 30 knots plus.
In spite of the best efforts of many other designers and builders worldwide, the Tornado still reigns supreme as the fastest production catamaran in the world. It is a showplace for both the skill of the sailors and for the technology of a production boat.
At the highest level this exciting sailing craft demands very competent boat handling skills, superb technical knowledge and clever tactical thinking to be successful in Olympic style regattas or demanding long distance races. That said, the boat’s beam and stability makes it a forgiving but exciting sail for intermediate sailors wanting to move their sailing up a gear.
The class has seen a resurgence in the UK in the past few years with an active set of professional sailors at the top of the fleet but a broad range of club sailors also competing and looking for that extra excitement a Tornado gracefully flying one hull brings them. There are regular long-distance and open meetings for the the Tornado in the UK and a spectacular National Championships as well as regular trips to the International circuit.
New boats are now being built again in the UK by Graham Eeles in Brightlingsea and there is an active second hand market for those who want to give a Tornado a try on a budget. The UK class association is very active, supportive and friendly, contact them via their website for more information.
F18's and Tornado's are sailed at Marconi Sailing Club.
Advanced Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Portsmouth Yardstick (Handicap) | 650 |
| Main Sail Area | 18.2 sq m |
| Jib Sail Area | 5 sq m |
| Spinnaker Sail Area | 25.9 sq m |
| Club Scene Site | Visit Tornado Class Website |
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