It seems like 98% agree that it is indeed talent that decides the results on the top level. I am a bit surprised that so many choose to belive this, but it surely explains why media and reports/posts refers to talent when writing about events/results. I suppose my original question is answered <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I still believe that you dont need a special talent to succeed at the highest level of our sport, but perhaps I am a special case (like the 2% others). What if the difference between the top and the rest is just this "nothing is impossible" mindset? (and I am not saying that I am a top sailor here, which I am not, or dedicated to becoming one. Just speculating..)