Maybe someone could prioritize the following.
1. Get a good start
2. Favored side of the course ( wind/current)
3. Boat speed ( which includes a ton of stuff: spreader rake/diamond tension, body placement, sheet tension, mast rake, mast rotation, downhaul, traveler positioning, etc.)
4. Transitioning from upwind to downwind and vice versa.
5. Executing good tacks and gybes.
6. Game plan when trying to overtake the leader or the guy just in front of you.
7. Knowing the rules (especially when boats meet)
I am by no means a master at winning, but my priorities would fall (generally) like this:
1) Get a good start on the favored side of the line
2) Good tacks and jybes
3) Good mark roundings (spin sets and douses, especially)
4) Favored side of course
5) Good boat speed (sail trim, settings, etc.)
If you're on at the start, you may not have to worry about overtaking people! If you're on the favored side with good boat speed, it is likely that those there with you will be going as fast as you and not really a candidate for overtaking.
In my case, transitions (tacks, gybes, and mark roundings) are where I see our troubles. Boat speed can rarely cure an overshoot while dousing the spin or a blown tack.
