1. Get Frank Bethwaite's "High Performance Sailing" and really read the sections on the timing of tacking on the headers, and when to change twist settings for the transition from light air to the breeze state.
2. Get somebody willing to two boat train with you, it's the best way to improve raw boat speed
3. As a general rule, if there's on offset to the windward mark, sail the long tack first.
4. Remember it's supposed to be fun!