The most important factor in finishing position is how well you start. Fleet drills should include starts. Rick's Sailing Seminars spend alot of time on controlling the boat in the start box. Doing those types of drills are very helpful in improving your performance. The best starter gets clean air, i.e., more horsepower. I read a book 25 years ago ("Welcome to A-Fleet"?) that said "Your finishing position will be your starting position, give or take 10%". I believe that catamarans allow for more than 10% variation, but it is a good rule of thumb.