I don't dont think there is much doubt that a course racing windsurfer is faster around a course than most if not all beach cats at least here on maui. i sail a hobie 18 with some modifications that is prolly about the same speed as a regular TheMightyHobie18. we have been passed like we are going about 1/2 their speed on all points of sail.
maybe there are race results in a good breeze that can verify my observations.
i'd also like to point out that the course racing board uses no daggerboard. just a big butt fin, yet they point like crazy.
i like the less is more approach and hope the boards hold the speed record.