Leave the gate with speed
In light air, the primary tactical priority for the leeward gate is speed preservation; the second is a clean exit toward the favored side of the next leg.
 
With larger boats that rely on momentum to get around the corners, it's critical to set up for the easiest maneuver. Try to avoid the last-minute jibe, or the 180-degree button hook turn around the buoy, even if it means rounding the gate mark that's a little further downwind.
 
Plan your approach to either layline so that you are coming into the gate marks with maximum speed. However, don't ignore the importance of keeping your lane clean until the last possible moment. If you are racing in a big fleet, sailing out to the layline too early will make it easy for other boats to camp on your breeze.

The key to a clean exit is rounding the gate with the fewest boats immediately on your bow. This will allow you to sail at optimum speed and angle after the mark. If you're unsure which gate is best, have a look over your shoulder to see how the approaching crowd of spinnakers will effect you as you round the gate and right after. Avoid sailing under a snowfence.

After all the hard work to pick the correct side of the gate and preserve your momentum, don't kill your speed with a poor turn. The standard wide-then-tight tactical turn may be the most overrated maneuver in sailing. A smooth, gradual turn with an easier speed build is nearly always preferable to the bat turn commonly executed at the leeward marks.

Be patient, be fast
There is nothing like watching a lot of boats seek their fortune on the other jibe to make you second guess your game plan. The high angles sailed in light air create large splits, and a small difference in pressure or angle can cause a rapid tumble in the standings between the top mark and the leeward mark. It's scary stuff.
 
In the end, there is no better tactic than good boatspeed. Finishing well in light air usually requires sailing in the maximum pressure, making minimal maneuvers, and thinking ahead to keep your lane clear on both jibes.    

To access the SW forums thread where Tony Rey will be answering your light-air sailing questions, click here.