You've got to be kidding

The H16 would not threaten the Tornado...... I cannot see a current class available that would. Including the F18.

Selection of Equipment for the Multihull Events at the Olympic Regatta 2008
A submission from the International Tornado Association
PROPOSAL:
The International Tornado Association proposes that the International Tornado Class catamaran be
selected as the equipment for the open multi-hull event at the 2008 Olympic Games.
CURRENT POSITION:
16.1.2 Submissions for Equipment for the Olympic Regatta shall be made in accordance with Regulation
1, except that no submission will be accepted after 15 March in the year of the decision on Equipment.
Supporting information required under regulation 1.5.1 shall be specified by ISAF and shall include
information to enable Council to evaluate how well the Equipment meets the Olympic Equipment selection
criteria.
REASON:
The Tornado truly meets the guidelines for the Open Events: it is innovative and evolving; it creates
exciting and spectacular racing for the media; it attracts both young and established sailors; it the fastest
boat currently sailed in the Olympics; it is acrobatic and athletic; it is still developing under the mature
guidance of a strong class organisation.
The Tornado has set a standard for achieving the highest levels of performance, durability, and strict onedesign
controls, while also incrementally evolving to take advantage of modern materials and sail plans.
After more than 36 years, the Tornado remains the highest performance and highest quality International
Class multi-hull in existence. Its performance is matched by the flexibility of its sail plan, which allows
crews varying in weight from 130 kg to 170 kg to finish in the top 10 at major events.
The Tornado has also proven to be a boat with a long competitive lifespan; many 10-year-old boats are
raced at the top level and the current world champions continue to win in 2004 using the same boat they
sailed in the 2000 Olympic Games, with a mast from 1994. The reasons for this longevity are both
exceptional build quality and stable one-design class rules.
The basic price of the Tornado, except for the new bowsprit systems, has remained nearly flat for many
years, changing little except for adjustments for inflation. Yet, because of the durability of the boats,
resale prices are strong. It is a fine combination: a high quality, long-lasting boat with low depreciation.
As a result, the Tornado has a very reasonable cost of ownership, particularly when compared to boats
with limited competitive life spans. In 2003, the ISAF and Tornado class approved two new builders,
which offers new high quality builder choices to sailors worldwide.
The new rig on the Tornado has been an unqualified success. The boat is perfectly balanced;
performance is up; and the athletic exhilaration of sailing the boat has reached a new level. While fitness
is tested in the Tornado, the age range in the class has remained wide. Top crews range in age from
early twenties to mid-forties; and there is strong growth in 16-21 year old sailors that have been attracted
by the new rig. The class has also attracted Olympic medallists from the Mistral, Star, 470, and 49er
classes.
The Tornado has also been successful in attracting sponsors and building media coverage. The Tornado
fleet is widely supported by strong and diverse sponsors. Innovative format Champions series racing is
entering its second season, with major corporate sponsorship and excellent media coverage. Print and
web publications focus on the top Tornado sailors when they offer articles or expert series.
The International Tornado Association is a stable, mature organisation with members in 37 Countries. It
stands ready to continue its proven leadership, and to meet and exceed all of the responsibilities of a
Class chosen as equipment for the 2008 Olympic Regatta.