There are many factors that make one competitor better than another in a sailing regatta, and their impact also varies depending on the class of yachts and the water area.
However, they always determine the final result:
talent,
sailing technique,
regatta strategy and tactics,
quality of equipment and its alignment,
physical and mental fitness,
knowledge of racing regulations,
diligence and conscientiousness,
goog luck
Sailing talent and luck are obvious matters and do not depend on us, so I will not discuss them, but we will deal with other factors that we can influence.