Hi, they were Canadians sailing in Australia training for the Olypics, for the record. Makes for good reading, if I find the story online I'll post a link.
Speaking of Canada, a paddle is a legal requirement. I have one of those cheapy plastic ones that screw together broken down and kept in the hull. I have used it when becalmed.
Of course, in Canada, boats over 18 feet need a whole lot of safety equipment (eg fire extinguisher) so if you're talking to Canadian law enforcement anytime, the Tornado is really 18 feet long OK? (same goes for my insurance company)