Originally Posted by
Velo Vol
Thus, ability to maintain that position for a short period does not depend on one's strength.
Wrong again. The upwind legs where most of the hiking is done can last for quite some time depending on the length of the course and the wind speed. Add to that, on each tack upwind the crew has to turn the boat, hook into the foot straps, and then throw themselves off the side of the boat in order to roll tack it and then flatten it out. Kills your knees and back if you are not in the right shape. Higher wind speeds equals more pain. After you get to the first upwind mark, sail the rest of the triangle and then do it all over again once or twice. Try three or four races in a day with about a 30 minute break between them, and then do it again the next day.
The boat that I mentioned sailing on is the VX One. The US distributor is a friend of mine, and I sailed on his when they first hit the market. It was quite fun.