You must also realize that each particular setup (class rules) may favour a different build of hull.

A-cat currently tend to go towards small freeboards with (very) fine bows in combination with moving the mainbeam waay back.

F18's go a totally different route, mostly because of significantly different way this boat is to be handled.

Same with the F16's; these are (relatively) lightweight boats with an (relatively) oversized engine compared to the hull length. They favour more volume up front even if that results in more drag. Afterall, going slightly slower over the course is still better then being upside down. Luckily the higher drag hit is too small too notice as the (oversized) engine still has enough margin left to compensate for this hit.

Similar (individual) balancing acts are to be found in each class and they tend to favour (slightly) different solutions.

For racing boats with a spinnakerlike the F18's and F16's there is simply no substitute for high freeboard and sufficient volume up front. Ease of handling and recovery margin win the day almost every single time.

Personally, I don't really see any advantage of lots of volume in the centre. Only lots of freeboard (prevent beam slapping)

Wouter