Congrats on a well deserved 3rd place in a big heavy cat, you did well against lightweight lasers and other classes which are very responsive to minor wind puffs.

The most satisfying race I sailed was with very light wind in a fleet of T's, A class and other cats. Those skippers who weren't used to actively looking for wind just sat there while those who kept their eyes out for darker patches or ripples on the water and felt their boat speeds sailed around the holes and made it to the finish line.

One thing is to ensure your sails stay shaped correctly and drawing by having your weight leeward and mainsheet tight enough any thrust translates to boat movement.
No sudden moves or weight shifts.

It was amazing how switched on skippers cleared out from the pack and fought their way neck and neck to the finish. Big grins all around on finishing.