Originally Posted by
Velo Vol
Such as? Most forms of racing do not require much in the way of smarts. Physical ability and ability to anticipate are mostly it.
Well, since sailboats never race in a straight line, there is a lot involved such as:
- which side of the course is favored due to wind speed, direction, wave action, the effects of shorelines on wind, the effects of current on speed over ground
- what are your competitors doing - should you lead, follow, cover, take a flyer to try to gain on them when they are ahead
- how can you get to the best spot on the starting line without fouling another boat
- if offshore, what is the best route and how will that be impacted by weather
- what sail choice will give you the best performance at any given moment
- how to best utilize the rules to gain an advantage at mark roundings
Many other things as well.