What is a Tornado Catamaran
Tornado Catamaran – The Ultimate Olympic Racing Cat | Boat Explainer
The Tornado catamaran is widely regarded as the ultimate non-foiling racing catamaran ever built. Designed in 1967 by British designer Rodney March, the Tornado was created specifically to become the Olympic multihull — and it went on to dominate the Games from 1976 to 2008.
With its long, slender hulls, 3-metre beam, centerboards, rotating mast, and later developments including double trapeze, spinnaker, and carbon mast, the Tornado evolved through multiple rig generations while remaining fiercely competitive under strict one-design class rules.
In this video, I break down:
What makes the Tornado so special
How it evolved from single-trap pin-head rig to modern square-top spinnaker boats
How it actually sails compared to modern performance catamarans
Who should (and shouldn’t) consider owning one
What Tornados really cost on the used market
Despite being a classic design, the Tornado is still actively raced worldwide, with boats over 20 years old remaining highly competitive. It’s fast, stable, technically rewarding, and demands proper sailing skill — which is exactly why it continues to earn its reputation as the King of Catamarans.
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Joyrider TV is one of YouTube’s leading channels for catamaran sailing tutorials, maintenance guides, Q+As, race strategy, and real-world beach-cat sailing action.
Whether you’re on a Hobie, Nacra, A-Class, Prindle, Hurricane, Dart, Windrush, Tornado, Unicorn, F18, F16, Topcat, Hobie Getaway, Dragoon, or even a Minicat — you’ll find clear, practical videos here to help you sail faster, safer and with more confidence.
Thanks for being part of the Joyrider TV community.
#catsailing
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Tornado Catamaran – The Ultimate Olympic Racing Cat | Boat Explainer
The Tornado catamaran is widely regarded as the ultimate non-foiling racing catamaran ever built. Designed in 1967 by British designer Rodney March, the Tornado was created specifically to become the Olympic multihull — and it went on to dominate the Games from 1976 to 2008.
With its long, slender hulls, 3-metre beam, centerboards, rotating mast, and later developments including double trapeze, spinnaker, and carbon mast, the Tornado evolved through multiple rig generations while remaining fiercely competitive under strict one-design class rules.
In this video, I break down:
What makes the Tornado so special
How it evolved from single-trap pin-head rig to modern square-top spinnaker boats
How it actually sails compared to modern performance catamarans
Who should (and shouldn’t) consider owning one
What Tornados really cost on the used market
Despite being a classic design, the Tornado is still actively raced worldwide, with boats over 20 years old remaining highly competitive. It’s fast, stable, technically rewarding, and demands proper sailing skill — which is exactly why it continues to earn its reputation as the King of Catamarans.
Support Joyrider TV
If you're enjoying the videos and want to help keep the channel cruising along at full speed, here are the best ways to support Joyrider TV:
⛵ Become a Channel Member
Early access, exclusive content & extra perks
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1lH
...
⛵ Join the Patreon Crew
Get Classroom modules, behind-the-scenes updates & direct support
https://www.patreon.com/joseph_bennett
⛵ Grab a T-shirt or Hoodie
Official Joyrider TV merch
https://totaljoyrider.com
Gear I Use & Recommend
⛵ SunGod Sunglasses – tough, polarised & built for sailing
https://www.sungod.co/s/eR4VYYu3/
⛵ Telemetry Overlay – add pro GPS overlays to your sailing videos
Use code JOYRIDERTV for a sweet discount
https://bit.ly/telemetryoverlay
⛵ Instamic Waterproof Audio – crystal-clear sound even in strong wind
https://instamic.io/?aff=119
⛵ Xero Shoes – lightweight, flexible and perfect for beach cats
https://xeroshoes.com/go/joyridertv
⛵ Forward WIP – next-level impact and sailing protection
@forwardwip
About Joyrider TV
Joyrider TV is one of YouTube’s leading channels for catamaran sailing tutorials, maintenance guides, Q+As, race strategy, and real-world beach-cat sailing action.
Whether you’re on a Hobie, Nacra, A-Class, Prindle, Hurricane, Dart, Windrush, Tornado, Unicorn, F18, F16, Topcat, Hobie Getaway, Dragoon, or even a Minicat — you’ll find clear, practical videos here to help you sail faster, safer and with more confidence.
Thanks for being part of the Joyrider TV community.
#catsailing
#joyridertv
Joseph Bennett
Coming from Vassiliki on the Greek island of Lefkada, catamaran sailing tutorials, demonstrations and live commentaries. Boat maintenance and reviews, and the occasional something for the monohull sailor. .
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