All things being equal (no velocity (pressure) differences, no wind shifts, no current effects, no wave size differences, no geographical influences), it pays to minimize the number of tacks.
On the course you describe (a Course 1, no gate), that means rounding the C mark to port, going to the right the right corner and tacking on the layline.
Real life is much more messy, of course, and that's what makes sailboat racing interesting.
Monohulls do not loose much distance when tacking - in fact, a properly roll-tacked boat will not lose any distance when tacking. In that case, it pays to play the shifts - tack on the headers, power through the lifts. However, once you get to the layline, you lose the option to tack on a header. Monohulls are also speed limited - above a certain, relatively low wind speed, they just don't go much faster.
Catamarans lose a lot of distance when tacking, and go much faster in higher pressure. Therefore, the strategy is to minimize tacks and go hunting for more pressure. Generally, one side of the course will have better pressure than the other. Figuring out the favored side is a key skill in catamaran racing.
A gate introduces tactical considerations by allowing you to split with your competition without the need for an additional tack. Gates provide more passing lanes than a single leeward mark.
|