Perception

What's important? Co-ordination or IQ? Well to be honest sailing is a perception game. The most successful sailors are those who have their heads out of the boat and see what is happening on the race course. The game in itself is simple, you need not be a genius to work out the optimal strategy or tactic but you do need to be very sharp to see where you are in the game.

Co-ordination, athletic ability and time in the boat/familiarity help in getting the head out of the boat and sharpening perception. If you have ever had the privilege to call tactics without having to worry about doing anything else on board you know how easy it is to be "smart" when you are able to look around full time.