The best racing sailor ever - The poll

Au contraire Little Monster the innovator has primacy over the guy who uses the innovation  40 or more years later.

Reead Elvstrms account of his first two medals. First to realise that sailing every day makes a difference. He won in 48 after retiring in the first race because he was, on port tack, within 3 boat lengths of a starboard boat. He won the last race because he took 4 rolls in his main, sailed the beats without a jib but hoisted jub on run and last two reaches. He never capsized and never filled his boat.

he then went home and invented a hiking bench!

If Naish should be in there I would also add Bjorn Dunkerbeck. I seem to remember he won something like 10 world titles on the trot. GRF probably know the exact stats better than me.

Elvestrom was a trailblazer getting his results at a time when he showed everybody how to be professional.

think you're right Al - i'm pretty sure its Kicking Strap

I've never been sure where this idea that Elvstrom was the first person to use hiking straps comes from? They can clearly be seen in photos of 14's from when he was a baby, so unless he was even more precocious than previously thought, it can't be true. And, as Chris says, canoe sailors were hiking in the USA in the 1880's. Very unsporting too - just not cricket!