Reaching in a single hander

Originally posted by Turkey Pie Fastest way to the next mark is rarely in a straight line. Sail high in the lulls and and low in the gusts. The faster your boat, the more extreme your angle's can be and still pull away.

In almost no wind it can be quickest, assuming no zephers anywhere you can pick up on. No point in adding distance for no reason.

All part of the skills!

Optimum Kicker tension on the reach is likely to be different than for upwind.  Generally upwind you try to set the sail for minimum drag and a fine entry angle.  On the reach the priority changes to maximizing power, which can be achieved with a fuller sail, which depending on the specifics of how your mast is supported is often achieved (at least in part) by easing the kicker and reducing the bend in mast.  This has to be balanced against letting the sail twist excessively which will allow power to spill from the top.  This balance will change with wind strength and sailing angle, as well as lots of other variables probably.  Watch people that overtake you and try to copy them.