Reading Hull shapes

Dear all,

who of the experts could give some feedback on how
to read a specific hull design in performance racing sailboats
designed for lake or inshore racing without bigger waves?

For example:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1119/904430704_76c8682feb.jpg?v=0http://

and

http://www.finot.com/bateaux/batmonotype/650open/Dsc00003.jpg


Comparing the rear sections of the two attached
"open" constructions. One (YSA) is a successful racer on flat
lakes with a sharp angulation between a flat bottom and
the sides, the other (Open 6.5, FINOT) shows a smooth curvature
from the flat bottom to the sides.

What does it mean in terms of pointing, reaching ? How is
this influenced by rocker?
Older thinking seems to be, that the very wide rear sections of modern
planing shapes helps with reaching but give disadvantages when upwind pointing - does this still apply?

Are there general guidelines to read, whether the hull
is shaped for pointing or reaching, for light or hard weather?


Tx for any help and literature recommendations
Henning