Had a great race, coming in3rd out if 8. Second boat to start in this 14 nm pursuit race. Wind from SW ranging from 4-6 with occasional gusts to 8-10 and falling to 2. Passed first boat about 15 mins in; they were below us as headed a on round bay; better wind was higher where we were. Had to tack to stay inside green at base of round bay, unfortunately, allowing j27 in pursuit to gain. Amazingly, held them off all way to bridge by staying higher toward land than they did, and puffs helped us out nicely. I was constantly playing main on this long beam reach while Steve playing Genoa expertly the whole time. Rounded bridge and passed through whole fleet headed down to bridge. They must have been stalled because only one emerged, j109 Apollo, which passed us as we put up spin entering round bay. J27 already long gone, but came in 3rd, with no other boats crossing for the next 21 mins. Great race!