I've had the chance to be on the course many times with skiffs over the years. Up to about 15 knots or so, it is quite easy to outpace them up and down the course. But I've noticed that downwind, the skiffs seem to have a faster top end (and sail deeper) when the breeze really get up. The limiting factor for me seems to be the friction on the hulls--my rig is outpacing my hull(s). At times, I've felt the lee hull semi planing; but it still isn't totally planing like a sailboard.

I've seen flatter and flatter aft hull sections, but has anyone taken modern cat design in this direction?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOr46fV4n0&NR=1