If you're a gamer who is tight on time, save your money for something else.
Let me begin by saying that this is a really good game. The graphics are astounding, the music is wonderful, and the gameplay builds on its N64 predecessors. The world is an expansive and lively place. At times it really does feel like you're playing a cartoon.
The game is not too difficult. You'll find yourself breezing through a lot of it. Even the sailing aspect isn't so annoying. Once you know your destination you can leave the room for a few minutes and come back later when Link is closer to the island you're headed too.
Unfortunately you around the last 1/3 of the game you have to go around the globe collecting a large amount of money so you can buy maps that you are required to solve the game. Anyone who has played a zelda game knows that focus on money is typically small. Its hard enough to collect even a 100 rupees, let alone a few thousand as the windwaker forces you to do. In order to do so you need to sail around the world, fishing for treasure chests. This is not my idea of fun. Infact the sailing and treasure hunting aspects become so tedious that you may find yourself wondering why you didn't just buy a sailing game instead. Great Job Nintendo. Enjoy my $40. I certainly didn't.
If you're the kind of gamer who can sit through this tedious process then this is still a wonderful game. Otherwise save your money and pray that they don't screw up the next one.