Definitely focus on keeping the unnecessary weight down and managing crew weight as needed. You need that crew weight going upwind in any kind of breeze (we have kicked ass with 10 newbies on board) but shaving of a few hundred when the wind is down makes a difference (when we are doublehanded, I can keep up with a fully crewed J/29 MHOB downwind, even in a breeze).
Under PHRF, there is a lot of variety out there on what sails to use. A few boats want as much sail as possible and have a 170%. Our home base has stronger winds so we have had big success dropping the #1 all together (#2 only) and using a roachier code 6 main (9 second credit); this was especially helpful in shorthanded racing.
