Yes, you read it right - 5th out of 8 in division. We were 2nd in two previous races (once to a boat that shouldn't have been in the same class), so the owner was a bit disappointed, but the rest of us had a generally great time - remarkably pleasant weather and sailing, almost too easy.
As noted, we got off to a great start, but made the fateful decision to go south, and the weather out-smarted the forecasters at that point, giving the northern boats the advantage.
Still, it's pretty amazing to think about the fact that after 12 days of racing, we were only 30 minutes out of 4th place, and another 30 mins out of 3rd. And in retrospect, aside from choosing a different route, there is no obvious way that we could have made up those 30 or 60 minutes...
Got home around midnight, oiled my bass this morning (just to stay on topic), got most of the laundry and grocery shopping out of the way, so I'm looking forward to playing a little after dinner tonight. Aside from fresh vegetables (and maybe a shower...), music is the only thing I really missed about 'real life'.
And given another hour or so, I should finally be caught up on the group - nice to be back.
