I've never gotten that far offshore in the RTI race - a lot of times it is a straight shot up the gulf coast with a few tacks (maybe). Even on the slow races, we've been back in sheltered waters by sunset.

I've done it on a similar handicapped boat (N5.8 + Spin) and finished it at 4:45PM and 10:30PM (and dropped out at Key Sailing one year - already dark). It just depends on the wind. It is easily doable on the F16. A guy from down there (Ft Walton) used to win it on a H17 with hooter.