: http://www.thomassondesign.com/choosing/my_kayaks/sea_racer.aspx#top

: The sea racer is also the platform for his fusion ocean ski

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.