>Speed difference in two of the same boats is minute. Not measurable... <
I have found minute speed difference off the starting line make a difference.
Assuming similar skippers, if your cat can not keep up with the front line,
gain a couple 'minute' feet, and break out with clear air,
you may be history, in the second rank with bad air?
We're not comparing the same thing. When tuning up, boats need good lanes, clear air to get an idea of speed differences. If you have a bad start it is certainly not the boat's fault.
To know for sure if a boat is fast or slow you must spend a lot of time tuning up with each other. Switching position (windward boat/leeward boat). Watching wind shifts ie. if you get headed the leeward boat will look faster. And trading boats. Eliminating as many variables as possible. Start lines are never perfect and have many variables.
