Or these guys : Now this IS the future of sailboat design... http://www.sailrocket.com/boat.htm and they are using the design principles of Bernard Smith who you mention, ideas from 1960`s !
The kayak ideas are a cool way to get folks who are into kayaking to become interested in sailing, so don`t knock it.
But 7knots boatspeed in 25knots ? No thanks, today I ran at 26knots in 15knots of wind. (Oh sorry, shouldn`t talk about windsurfing on a catsailor forum <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Then again, ask a kayak paddler how fast he can paddle into a 25knot headwind. Given the choice I`d rather sail at 7knots than paddle at 4knots backwards.
