You are 100% correct. It is important to understand if one side has more wind then the other especially on smaller bodies of water. When racing on small lakes I have to remind myself to look back all the time. Looking back is also important for playing the fleet and getting clean air but like everything you don't want to do it too much. It is also useful to check the waves pre-race to see if they are different on one side of the course compared to the other side.

Short answer is that you need to sheet to the apparent wind so it depends on your angle to the wind and your velocity. In most cases turn first and then initiate sheeting. While it sounds easy it isn't. I say wait to pull in the sheet once the head up is complete because at that point you are probably slowing down and the apparent wind will be closer to reach. Same thing with going down wind, it takes awhile for the apparent wind to change.

When it comes to this stuff it is a little hazy. A lot of this stuff is pushing the boundaries but I can give you a little explanation. You can move your body and sheet as long it supports the turning of the boat but you have to be turning for a reason and your body must match the boat turning motion. In waves you are allowed to change your course to continue surfing on a wave. If you are not surfing or turning you are defiantly breaking rule 42 unless you are doing one pump per wave. In the light air you can probably argue that I am breaking rule 42 but the turning is so far apart it looks like you are just changing course or maybe you are not drawing attention to yourself. I haven't race in a major laser regatta recently but in my experience juries are watching for leech flicks in all air condition and masts rocking back in fourth in the light to medium air. Also if you are moving a lot compare to the rest of the fleet you usually stand out. If you are interested in rule 42 give these a read: www.sailing.org/raceofficials/rule42/rule42-laser.php www.sailing.org/raceofficials/rule42/

If your rig is swinging from side to side like in most of this clip with not much of a change in course you would almost certainly attract the attention of the jury and a penalty. You are allowed to use the heel of the boat to steer the boat but the change of course has to be clear (ie a big angle) AND for a reason, either to get on, or stay on a wave or gust. If you want to steer to windward you can heel the boat to leeward, and then change course, when you want to go more to leeward again you can heel the boat to windward and change course, In this clip he actually changes course very little and it is simply rocking.

Any roll to facilutate a turn is allowed.