Aestela:

I'm surprised that Rick or Mary didn't jump in and explain their videos. I've seen them and they're informative. It's a mileage thing. Most of the top sailors in our division compete at least a dozen times a year and practice often. You blow one tack or start on the wrong side and you're not going anywhere; you'll always be taking stupid chances trying to look smart, but it'll never happen.

Want proof? Go to the Nationals or Worlds and see the winning team is still winning on a boat that they don't own and have to rotate with others.

Just stay on the water...and learn. Talk to your crew all the time on what you plan to do and why.

Wyatt