Thanks for your ideas guys. Don't worry though, I'm out for a good challenge but ain't stupid (ok, not that stupid).

Righting pole already attached. Made a system similar to Rick White's but, once out to the end of the pole, I can extend it another 3 ft for 11' of righting pull. It self retracts when not under pressure. I believe it should work but, for those of you wondering, I'll let you know in a couple weeks when I go out in the bay and try/practise.

Righting a cat for me - and for most of you out there - is a no brainer. If you can't right your cat, then don't go sailing.

Yes I know the Tornado is a powerful boat, that's why I bought it. Whether I can single hand a spi wtih it is still up in the air. If I can, can I do it more than 4-5 knots is yet to be determined.

I'm not one to follow the "you can't do that" line of thinking. However, safety is No. 1 and always will be. In case Mary reads this, I'm installing a mast float the first year to two (or forever). I'm interested in going fast and pushing the limit and you can't do that if you're scared of tipping or righting your boat. Tornados turtle so easily hence the need for mast float. Like Mary and other's have said in other threads, there nothing like takin' a breather when your cat tips, sitting on the lower hull while your floats does it's job of keeping your mast out of the water.

Yes, I feel the same about a float on a T - like training wheels on a Porche - but it's my a** out in the middle of the lake and I'm interested in speed and having fun and not worried about what the boys on their T's think.

Okay then, I'll upgrade to the self tacker. After much discussion with others, I'm under the impression the Holt system is the way to go.

I'll let you know how I solve the self-righting the Tornado goes. There are so many more complicated things that have been solved than figuring out how to self right a 20' cat. Come on guys. How about - "try this..." and not "you can't do it"....

Ya, I know, I may eat my words but I'll be back to admit it.... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

To conclude, the T's powerful main is more than enough to deal with off wind when sailing with just the jib up so whether I use the old system (sheet/barder) or the new self-tacker (sheet, no barber-like control to open the slot freely)I should just concentrate on the main??? That is, not a big difference between jib systems but self tacker so much easier to manage....

I carry a cell phone with me at all times for the reasons we all know.
Ron