Obviously, it is desirable to slow back down to 110MPH before parachute opening. The right-hand patterns help minimize traffic conflicts and keep things, for the most part, predictable. Still, you have to be prepared for the unexpected all the time. A perfect example is when you open south of the drop zone on the other side of the canal. If you have even the slightest question about whether or not you can make it across the canal, or even if you know you can but might interfere with traffic in the process, there's no reason to try it.
Open fields abound on both sides of the canal.
If there's even a question in mind, go with what you know. Likely, the instructor is trying to get to the ground to meet an aircraft turnaround or get on the radio to an AFF student. Spiraling with him only complicates things. Vertical separation, as well as horizontal separation, is your ally under canopy. If you're high and there are a bunch of jumpers under canopy shooting for the landing area below you, stay high.