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Can any of you relate your experiences racing against fast cats? I am not a skiff sailor but have 2 cats a Tornado and a larger cat I built that is a cross between a C cat and a Tornado and somewhere between the two in speed. My impression is that length for length a skiff is even with the best cats. Is that true? In what conditions are they even or not? I know the Tornado guys say that are quite a bit faster than an 18 footer, but my impression is that an 18 footer will tie an F18. The reason I ask is that I am interested in 18 footers and think I might like sailing them more than my cats, but there are no 18 footers for me to compare with. Thanks for any ideas.

well cats are a bit faster. aspecialy if you have a tornado or m 20!!

well, we had a race AC-Cupper against 18foot Skiffs and F18 three years ago in kiel in middle winds. I'ld say. the F18 and the 18Skiff had a tie, one has been faster, we were slower due to the performance. I think the Tornados should be faster in light to middle winds, and very very light winds. I don't know about flat water and strong winds with an experienced team on the 18f Skiff, they could do an amazing performance with small rigg, that even puts out Tornados. Better ask the Australian guys.
greetings Norbert

here you go.

extreme 40 vs tornado vs 18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjQpB-Snyr8

I've raced 18 the last 4 years and Tornados for a couple of times.
I think the Tornado is faster than an 18. BUT the 18 is tonnes more fun. The Tornado takes a lot of breez to get two people on the wire upwind. The 18 is powered up in about 6-7 kn. of breeze.
Downwind the 18 is even more fun, you don't bunny hop a Tornado