I raced for many years. (First trophy 1953) Now I do RC work mostly. I'd say that before an event where I'm the PRO there is just about as much preparation as when racing an FD, A-Cat or F16. A difference is that if I goof up a race, sail the wrong course, go through the finish line before the prescribed number of laps or capsize (we've done all of this, once in one race!) it is just me that is embarassed. When running a team that is staging a race, there are many crews that are affected by any bad moves. I get just as 'tight' during a count down to a start when on the RC boat as I do with a 100-boat Laser start.
The one good thing about RC duty is that I don't have to pay the high and accellerating entry fees. When I do race it is as crew, again due to the expense.
Dave Ellis