A couple of things....
3. When it gets close (less than 15 seconds), I worry less about time and more about my position in relation to the other boats on the line. Start listening for the ratchets to start clicking when your within 10 seconds. If you wait too long, your out the back!
+a whole lot!!!!
Get a $25 Ironman or whatever. If you are not sheeted in at 8-5 seconds before the gun (flag drop), your LATE!!