As a Laser sailor competing on the ISAF Sailing World Cup circuit, I see what it takes to truly become a world-class athlete. Competing at the top level, in any class, requires countless hours of practice and preparation. Spending a lot of time on the water before heading to a regatta will certainly help you move up in the fleet. Being prepared and organized can reduce unnecessary breakdowns. Outfitting your boat with the best gear and new sails can help you move up a couple more. Physical fitness can mean the difference between a podium finish and a mediocre regatta. Beyond being able to hike harder and longer, sailing fit will help you make better decisions. When we are tired, it can be easy to lose focus of the big picture during a race. This could be anything from spotting wind shifts to positioning yourself in the fleet or rounding the favored gate mark.