Title:RACE 1: Course Description! : (MDidia ) : eques of Rome: 7/25/2001,20:00:26< prev next >

PANATHENAIA BOAT RACE RACE 1 Sail from the harbour of Pieraieus, clockwise around Salamis to Megara. OBSTACLES: As you sail out of the harbour, you will encounter the enigmatic and inquisitive Sphinx - will you take up the challenge of her riddle? Once safely past the Sphinx, you will sail into the territory of Scylla, but if you travel too closely into land, you might get stoned (and we're not talking funny mushrooms!) by the Gorgon!!! After the Gorgon you meet an enormous sand bank. To sail right around it will take a long time, and you risk being overtaken, but if you sail between it and the western side of the island of Salamis, you have to pass close to the Sirens on their dangerous rocky outcrop. On one hand many a ship has been dashed against that shore and the the bones of drowned men can be seen washed up on the sand banks that surround the area, on the other hand getting through sucessfully will take minutes off your time -- it's your call! I hope you don't end up sailing around Greece for ten years (*hint hint*). We end the race at Megara, the half-way point. Here all registered yachts come together for roll call, repairs, and an overnight stay at the hospitable Harpies' Cave, where a tasty seafood feast will be provided... if you can get it away from the Harpies! WEATHER: The weather today is bright and cloudy with a stiff breeze blowing towards the north-west! Happy sailing! The Judging Team