Looks like the boys on the T risked the crossing in what I'm assuming where nasty conditions and probably dark? Wonder where Smyth is?

The TheMightyHobie18 in certain conditions could possibly hold off the Tornado. Possibly, with good rudders and a good crew, near equal downwind speeds can be achieved in really nasty conditions. Upwind I'd take the T over the TheMightyHobie18 anyday, the tacking angles are significantly better on the T.