Another long race to the West Country so another strong breeze on the nose to look forward to.  Hour and half of adverse tide after the start so kept into the mainland shore to pick up the back eddy then out through Hurst and set the GPS for Portland Bill as we passed Bridge at about 23:00.  Pretty busy night wind going from 6 to 30 knots with apparent disregard the small boats sailing into it so plenty of reefs in / out and headsail changes.  Didn't get to Portland before the tide turned but no big dramas getting past at about 5 miles off and then set for the finish.  Normal slog into the finish line from about ten miles off with neither tack seeming to pay but eventually got over the line just before 15:00 which was only good enough for 4th overall.  However, with our other series results it meant we won the offshore series so not too bad after all.  Good trip back with the wind behind and made the mooring in Cowes by 20:00 after leaving at 09:30.