The most basic "trick" with optimizing for OLC distance is to try to
thermal right off tow and while you circle, look around and pick a
direction that looks like you can go the furthest. Getting a long 1st
(and 2nd) leg is important, so you don't want to zig-zag too much
between your first few thermals. Pick a direction and methodically
work your way there. Moderate course deviations (up to 30 or 40
degrees on either side of your "target" point off in the distance) are
fine, but try to work in a consistent direction so that the system
ends up crediting you with a long leg in the first half of your
flight.

Take care,

--Noel