Despite having more than a month until closing date for entries, organisers of this summer’s Three Peaks Race are only able to offer standby positions for new applicants.

Great Britain’s annual Three Peaks Yacht Race is one of the most brutally challenging sea and mountain courses around – in 2006, only nine of the 23 contestants finished. Such is its popularity over the past 27 years, the race format has been replicated in places as far flung as Tasmania and Hong Kong – but the original is still unmistakably British. The goal of this endurance contest is to sail from Barmouth in northern Wales to Fort William in Scotland, stopping off at key points so that two runners can ascend the three highest peaks in Wales, England, and Scotland. The total minimum distance covered is 389 miles by sea, 30 miles of cycling, and 59 miles of running – the first and shortest peak alone can take up to six hours to run.

Entries for the race have been accepted since November, with the closing date being 31 March 2007, although those still wishing to apply may find it’s now too late. The number of participating entries is limited to 25, plus those specifically invited by the Committee; the current Team Listing for 2007 stands at 27 – meaning a queuing system is in place, should any of the first 25 drop out. The entry fee is £500 per team, and all entries must be sent via post.

Making the grade
Returning this year is Team Accelerate with their 38ft yacht,Vlad the Impaler, designed by PBO Consultant Editor, Andrew Simpson. In 2005Vladtook first place in the race, and in 2006 came second, winning three of the 23 available awards – thereby making it one of the most successful competitors. Last year’s first place winner,Leopard, is not listed as an entrant.

For a thrilling firsthand account of the 2006 race, check out regular PBO contributor David Rainsbury’s ‘Sailing the heights’ in PBO 478 (Click here to order a reprint from the copy service) . Although the team he was with didn’t complete the course due to poor weather, they are entrants this year withFreedom, a Westerly Fulmar 32 skippered by Nigel Bonnet. As David explained, ‘For us the Three Peaks Yacht Race is unfinished business… we’ll be back.’

The race will commence 23 June 2007. For further information, including the full set of rules and available trophies (totalling 31), check out the official Three Peaks Yacht Race website at: www.threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk