Mr. Walker

Stuart H. Walker, Advanced Racing Tactics, 1976

About mistakes that causes disaster in a race (resultwise):

Preparation

1. Failing to understand the instructions
2. Failing to check the wind direction with the compass for an adequate length of time
3. Failing to check the current

   Starting

4. Failing to attain clear air (if the starting tack is to be continued).
5. Failing to attain freedom to tack (if an early tack is required)

   Beating and Running

6. Failing to recognize the presence or imminence of a persistent shift
7. Failing to recognize major differences in wind strength or current in different areas of the course
8. Failing to find the weather mark (long before the lay line is reached).
9. Failing to avoid other boats with right of way
10. Failing to plan the best approach to, and departure from, each mark and the best approach to the finish line.
11. Failing to keep the boat moving in light air; tacking too often and not jibing often enough.
12. Failing to steer properly because of preoccupation with the crew, the boat, the competition, the immediate crisis, or the past disaster.