Simon,

Congratulations on your handicap win last Saturday and well done beating all the Paper Tigers over the line.
You just need to be a couple of minutes faster.

Typically the run is the leg where many get to rest. I like to think that it's the leg where I can make up ground by sitting as far forward to just avoid nose diving and trying to ride as many waves for as long as possible. If that means getting away from the dead run until an opening appears in the front wave then do it. There is nothing worse than having to climb up over the back of a wave in front of you.

Getting clean air is also very important so getting away from those pesky Paper Tigers and avoiding being blanketed at the top mark is critical.

Try it out in your next race.

Regards,

Peter

p.s. Maybe the Paper Tiger full hull shape and buoyancy also assists them downwind.