Here's what I have thought about all the different hull designs in the F18 class, and the A cats.

Some do better in big waves, some do better in flat water, some go better upwind, some go better downwind. Which one beats which one, theoretically, with identical crew, weights, sails, and identical wind, etc. will be determined by the seastate or how much upwind vs. downwind work is in the race. The challenge for the crews is to figure out their own boat and make it go as fast as possible in -all- conditions.

And you are right, the best crews will still come out on top. You just can't go out and buy experience and skill, that takes time on the water. The crews who sail the most, together, are going to perform the best.