[Don L]

does anyone other than me think too much time/talk is spent on the techqinue to follow over just knowing how to handle your boat, so that you therefore sail back to the person

and why don't any sailing books/lessons ever remind you that "hey you have an engine"

 

[Don L]

I think the best preparation is to practice often and in each condition one might actually face (wind speed, waves, and currents).

30+ knots of wind, 15' waves, in the dark and the rain??