This year's Pagan River Challenge will be held in conjunction with the last day of cruise week, part of the return on July 8th. Course: Starting line - bearing line 30 deg mag from mark R "12" in Norfolk Harbor Reach. Finish line - bearing line 30 deb mag from mark YC "C" in James River, off shipyard Distance: Aprox 6.05 nautical miles. Race Instructions: This will be a staggered start, with higher handicap boats starting earlier than lower handicap boats. First start will be 11:AM. I will assign each entered boat a starting time. No Spinnakers - this is strictly for fun! Finish will be boat -for boat. Prizes: Fun prizes will be awarded at GPYC after the race. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers. Plus special prize for last place. To enter: Send me an e-mail not later than June 30th. Unless you already have a White Shoal Handicap, include boat type and length, so I can figure out a rating for you. I will assign a starting time and let you know via e-mail and at the starting area on VHF 71. Sailboats typically enter this race, but power boats are welcome spectators. Just remember that, if the course is upwind, the sailboats need to do a lot of crazy zig-zags. I will be sailing aboard Tranqullity, Tom Orlowski's Hunter. She has a very low handicap and will probably start last. The committee boat will not set a line (see description above). A simplified explanation: When the heading to R"12" from your boat is 210 magnetic, you have started, when the heading to YC "C" is 210 magnetic, you have finished. This should be a fun time, and we look forward to a lot of participation. Tidal current is expected to be flooding for most of the time we are on the course. Time limit is 3PM. If not finished by then, crank up the tin genny and head for home. Hope to hear from you. John