March 1, 1999

New watch gives tactical advantage to racers.

The new Tack & Gybe "Tornado" yachting chronograph from TNG, USA was specifically designed for racing sailors by racing sailors. Unlike any watch available today, the Tornado is a powerful tactical instrument aimed at winning yacht races. At the same time it is a handsome and individual timepiece of Swiss craftsmanship and Dutch engineering.

Powerful features, such as audible and dual visual countdowns, start/finish line alignments, and upwind/downwind heading markers combine to make the Tornado a precision component in the race to win world class competitions.

Winning yacht races begins at the start of the race and the key to a successful start is being at the right place at the right time. Aided by the unique features of the TNG Tornado owner always has a continuous awareness of remaining time to start as well as the location of the favored end of the start line.

The TNG Tornado aids starting tactics through three countdown indicators and a starting line alignment function. Begin the race by setting the watch bezel to indicate wind direction, the watch immediately references the favored end. Choose a 10, 6, 5, or 3 minute countdown and the three countdown indicators ensure that the wearer knows exactly when the start will occur. During countdown five colored balls sequentially change color with each minute to visually show at a glance how many minutes remain till start. At the same time the second hand sweeps reverse and shows exactly how many second remain in each minute. Most importantly, loud audible beeps clearly send signals that begin at the top of each minute and increase in frequency throughout the last minute. The audible beeps clearly indicate to the entire crew exactly when the start will begin.

Once the race is underway the TNG Tornado continues to serve the racer as a tactical course instrument. The TNG Tornado provides features that help to maintain an awareness of windshifts and headings throughout the course. By using the compass marked bezel to record the wind heading at the start the wearer always has a constant wind reference. Precision markings on the watch face provide important navigational aids. The port & starboard upwind heading indicator help to determine the favored tack. When rounding the weather mark the indicator tells the course heading to the reaching mark. Heading downwind the indicators tell the favored jybe when sailing downwind or reaching. After rounding the leeward mark the startline indicator tells the favored end for finishing.

The TNG Tornado is an high quality Swiss watch made of stainless steel and water resistant to 100 meters. A foolproof anti-shutoff feature prevents errors common with digital and other countdown watches. TNG Tornadoes come with a choice of red, blue, or yellow leather strap or optional stainless band. Each watch also comes with a velcro/mylar racing band.

For more information experience the virtual TNG Tornado at www.sailingwatch.com or call (805) 565-7909.