Well, I pop my mainsheet (slacking it somewhat less than a foot) while I'm tacking. That is, I do it when I'm back at the block, crossing the boat, just before I pass the tiller around. I do it then so there will be less weather helm after the eye of the tack. It helps me get the boat down to a close-hauled course quicker. After completing the tack, and once the jib is sheeted in and drawing, I then retrim the main. That's probably old hat to most of you guys though. The area's I think I need to work on are (1) not oversteering, and (2) tacking more smoothly. One of the best sailors I compete against has beautiful smooth tacks that preserve a lot of speed. I suspect I'm losing speed by steering too hard and jumping around the boat too much while tacking.

Regards,
Eric