more a function of power to weight at this size/speed, they are most certainly going faster than "hullspeed" at which point waterline length is the predominant factor.
the length of these beasts is really just to keep it under control in pitch. too much length will just add skin friction drag. if they were racing in perfect conditions with no waves or gusts, the hull lengths could be reduced substantially and the speeds would probably increase.
it'll be interesting to see if a beach cat can make the "Y" form of alinghi's support system work. smaller beams and less twist...
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I'd suggest for proper beach cats no; as we need to come in of the wire and scamper accross; thus we need am uncluttered tramp.
Bigger boats that you "walk over" instaed of sliding; then maybe....
