Sam,
It was a tough year only 28 aout of 50 starters finished. You are correct it this race has many trials that any other catsailors reading this forum can even imagine. How you tackle problems in the race will determine how you finish. Don't be so hard on yourselves I made the exact same mistake you made the first year. I was hoping you would use the little beach that I pulled out from. It took me two hours to make it to the first bridge the first year.
Anyway you recorded a 18 knot average returning down the Neuse. Better luck next year
Holdyourcourse out.