: I think I used too many words in my original post and confused everybody: I'd
: like to race in the 'Fast Sea Kayak' category, which is not the one with
: the fastest kayaks (those 20' machines). It typically contains boats up to
: 18' long.
: Within that 'Fast Sea Kayak' category, I'd like to have the fastest kayak
: (doesn't everybody?). At the moment, the Epic 18X and the Marlin seem to
: be closest to optimum. So, it's a matter of designing a boat that is fast,
: but does not violate the rules.
: And yes, training will have a major impact on my near term results.

G'day Ruedi,
Have you considered using Kayakfoundary to design your own? you may even find some designs in the forum already that you could tweak a bit.
i've designed (with a lot of help) an ocean racing ski and am cutting out the forms at this very moment. in the "seeking opinions on ocean racer" thread you will find some designs that could easily be re dimensioed to suit your needs.
cheers