Definitely not a designer, but Martin Fisher is, couple of interesting articles from him on the Wild cat and those rails on the bow. Does it work? Some of the Volvo boats tried it as well.
http://catsailingnews.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-hobie-f18wild-cat-bow-rails-in.html

http://catsailingnews.blogspot.com/2010/05/cs-interview-martin-fischer.html