The idea is to reduce the wetted surface area of the hulls to increase speed. Although initially you have to sail slightly higher to cock the hull out of the water, you eventually end up sailing as low, if not sometimes lower, than a cat that is sailed conventionally. Because of the added speed your apparent wind angle comes forward, therefore you can sail deep and fast.

On a Tornado you have the ‘luxury’ of sending the crew down to leeward to reduce the leverage on the windward hull. My old crew used to describe it as ‘standing on your head under the Niagra Falls!’ Even more fun during the frostbite series! Being a single hander we don’t have that luxury.

I have tried a rather unorthodox method of sitting just leeward of the centre tube with my foot against the leeward toe loop which goes from the top of the radial traveller track to the deck. My tiller extension rests between the windward centreboard and the main shroud and I sheet directly off the boom instead of through the centre ratchet block, and steer from the connector bar. The centre consort is released to give the sail fullness. The sitting position is reasonably comfortable and you are still able to get a full view of the mainsail. Start off by sailing at an angle so that the bungee at the top of the mast appears to be pointing slightly aft. Once the hull lifts it is just a matter of feet, bearing off in the gusts and coming up in the lulls. The boat is surprisingly in control, but one thing is don’t head up abruptly once the hull is in the air – it will end in tears!

The wind band for ‘going wild’ is around 15-20 knots and works much better on relatively flat water so avoid waves if possible. Gybing is a bit more of an issue, as it takes longer to get up then get settled once gybed.

I must confess though, I have struggled to make significant gains against a conventional downwind technique. I used the technique quite often at the Weymouth Open, although I wasn’t losing anything, I didn’t seem to gain much either. This I could put down to a couple of things; one, lack of practise and two, my weight is a little suspect – 14 stone sat on the rear quarter is slightly incompatible with downwind cat sailing. I am convinced an 11 stoner could really make it cook downwind but I don’t think I’ll be seeing 11 stone again!

Why not give it a go, see what you think. One thing I will say, it puts a new and exhilarating angle to Unicorn sailing. Have fun!

Dan