Bob,

Reading is great mental exercise during the winter months. However, if you 
find yourself really stressed out trying to duplicate everything your read once 
you are on the water, grab a tall cold drink (rum and coke preferably) and 
don't worry about the small stuff. Sailing is supposed to be fun anyway isn't it? 
No point in blowing a gasket just to get a few more feet per minute.

Rummy