Tricky start down wind down tide but kite up as we crossed the line and headed down the Western Solent.  Kept to the Island shore for the better tide but conditions were fairly fluky with the weak breeze fluctuating quite a bit.  As we approached Hurst we had to start gybing to make the course and approached the Needles with the breeze picking up.  Had a fairly interesting rounding  through the inshore passage as we probably left the kite drop a little late so were going round with it only half recovered whilst closely observing the chart plotter to check our position.  Safely round and again kept into the Island shore to be out of the adverse tide and hopefully pick up the early back eddy.  Fairly close with Duff Lite initially but they hugged the shore line quite closely and seemed to have gained as we approached St Catherine's.  Single tack to keep us away from Castle Rocks then sheets eased all the way to Bembridge.  Just pipped at the mark by Spirit of Kudu and once round got the kite up and then untangled the sheets which were twisted.  Went inside the forts and out to the Ryde pole before gybing for the finish.  Nip and tuck with Spirit of Kudo all the way to the finish and they were about a boat length ahead in the end but we got them on corrected.  7th overall but a good result over our main series rivals and the other Laser 28.

GPS Track

NJOS - Hurst Narrows

Rounding The Needles