These racing factors, Dr. Walker explains, translate into boat speed, psychology, and tactics.Wind strength and wave formation, in turn, determine sail rig and fin trim, as well as the psychological approach needed to win. He demonstrates for both the new racer and the seasoned expert precisely how to collect and understand these elements, how to use them in the formulation of strategy, and, finally, how to formulate moment-by-moment tactics. This is a masterful guide to winning.

Addressing the competitor-whether in sailing, tennis, golf, baseball, or other sport-Stuart H. Walker demonstrates that what competition means to the competitor is the main determinant of success and failure, and that what it means to you can be turned to your advantage. Dr. Walker writes, "Competence leads to courage, creativity, and fun. Lack of understanding and lack of control lead to fear, depressions, and incompetence-and no fun. Competition is too good to waste." For the paperback edition, Dr. Walker has written a new chapter, "Cheating," in which he discusses why cheating seems to be on the increase, what it signifies, and what should be done about it.