I dont _know_, but they should be faster than a T in the conditions they are set up for. They are always refered to as the fastest things around (of similar size of course), so I would be very surprised if the T could keep the pace!

The T is set up for windward/leeward racing, while these boats compete on their own special course set up to test them on all points of sail.

In higher winds, I guess the crew would be so busy depowering these beast, and avoiding breakage, that a conventional cat could have a chance. But they would probably not come out to play in such conditions.

Comparing the efficency of regular rigs to wing sails, I think the soft sail rig rates 1.3 to the 2.5 of wings (not sure about those numbers). If so, they should leave the T gasping for air on the starting line

I saw a photo of a Square 18 with a wing here some time ago. It was unbeatable for a long time, but was beaten in the end by a soft-sail rig. Would be nice to hear why/how..