I usually find when tacking its better to switch around to the new side earlier rather then later and often before the nose of the board has passed through the eye of the wind.
If you are getting spun/backwinded by the sail then what you need to do when you get around the new side of the board, is really tilt the sail forward to help you get leverage to scissor the board the rest of the way around with your feet.
Make sure your footwork is up to scratch too, that was the main thing that I had difficulty with when learning to tack a shortboard. Oh, and keep your eyes on the exit of your tack, looking at your hands/feet just lands you in the water.
Check out Guy Cribb's website,
www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_technique_holiday_DVD_0076v01.htmYou will want to read, 'the twist' and 'boomshaka'