For Racing.
Keep crew amidships and out of the cockpit. Even the helms person should be as forward as possible. If racing, take everything non essential off the boat. Especially in the ends. Forward cushions can usually be removed. Check your PHRF rules; how many anchors and rhodes are required? For successful racers all weight aboard is the enemy! Especially in the ends. Think about your bow mounted anchor and the rhode in the lazarette. Success in racing  involves a ton of small improvements.

Best Regards
Jeff Smith
www.http://JeffSmithPhoto.Net
732-236-1368