The standard A-cat would beat the M18 and category 1 18sq's upwind, you think ?

Think again !

Besides the name of the game is "reach the finish line first" NOT "reach the A-mark first" !

For the remainder I agree with the statement that there are really only "fast crews" that seem to excell on almost any catamaran given to them.

Also I don't believe any 30 knots claim for a 20 foot cat or smaller. I think the top speed clocked anywhere up till now is 25 knots.

If I have to point to a singlehand I would would say Eagle 20 Carbon in sloop attire

Wouter