There is a thing called talent. It is foolish to deny that.

After the theory of relativity is fully quantifiable, still not many hard working and motivated physists make it to the (creative) level of Einstein.

The way your mind is wired has alot to do with it. Different people find different things obvious.

I do agree with Rolf that alot can be overcome by persistant study but at one certain level the non-talented people will simply lack the flair and ease that talented people have when doing the same tasks. This will always translate in lacking an edge when both sailors work just as hard at getting better. There is simply no denying that.

Wouter