Some good reading and learning here: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/?article=150172

 - 10,000 hours to get good in a sport.
 - Even in (especially in?) a one-design, the choice of mast and sail is obviously very crucial.
 - Don't necessarily use what you are used to, if others are starting to go faster with other gear.
 - C-Tech make the best masts.
 - Plan your training carefully to reach your peak when you need to: it might include big regattas or it might not, depending on which elements you need to improve on and when.

Chris

This is pretty scary when you consider that to become an airline transport pilot the time required is 2150 hours including cross country, nighttime, instruction etc - a mere flash of time compared to sailing.

Now here's a further thought to put you off.  

10000 hours for a dinghy sailor represents a total of 5years at 40hours per week without holidays etc so if you calculate what most of us manage sailing wise - perhaps 5-6hours per week ie 10000 hours=2000 weeks/52 = 38.5years.  Now I started sailing again at 54years old and if I will reach my best at 54+38= 92years old I should just about be ready for the Olympics in 2044.  Hope I can pace myself and not peak too early.

In fact have just realised that I should wait until 2048 when Secret Water will be 100!!

Garry you've got far and away tooooo much time on your hands!!!

:-)

Regards

Tony