Bruce-
Just some general comments and suggestions from my experiences racing "open". Point is to get around the track as fast as possible so you have to get out of "fleet mode thinking"- ie covering, tactics, etc. to a large degree. You need to sail fast and smart - do NOT get into "duels" with any other boat, do not dsq, foul or OCS, do not "bang the corners", keep clear air, stay out of "crowds" (if possible), get good starts (use your boats strengths- ie if able to outpoint the other boats then use this to your advantage), go for the pressure (watch the boats ahead of you to help determine best way for you to go- this is one advantage of being on a "slower" boat).

Hope this helps!

Good luck professor!

Kirt