I have not raced other VXs in light wind, So I'm not sure what is the best sail plan strategy. I can set the kite much faster and fly it with the jib furled. Does this work or should the jib always be out?
In very light air after rounding the windward mark, we usually set the kite first to get it flying before furling the jib (we do furl the jib asap though.) If really light, the crew usually also goes forward of the mast to trim on the downwind leg, to get more of the back of the boat out of the water.
Set and trim jib (not over trimmed). Some use the rule that If boat speed is constantly below 6kts. - furl it. It seems to mostly help through the light air jibes.
As Dave mentioned, we keep it up to probably 5 knots of TWS but furl it right before a gybe; once the gybe is compelted, and the boat is set on the new course, we carefully unfurl it.
R