I've just read this thread from start to finish, and not wanting to blow my own trumpet, the competitor in me is pleased I might still have the record, at 10.8 knots? This was during a PBO magazine test, when David Harding was at the helm (so I cant actually take credit in any case), and measured on his GPS.
Today I went out with a potential customer and a friend and we hit 8.6knots at the top of the tide, in winds gusting to 32mph. We had ballast tanks full and board down (should have pulled it up but we had very little channel available). I wanted to empty the tank but my crew suggested otherwise...
In terms of how she feels, well I am biased but to me she feels great. she fizzes along with no instability. I think the fastest point is about 90degress to the apparent wind. I have no windex on the mast though so am just guessing this last point.
Matt