Three Peaks Yacht Race entries open

The Three Peaks Yacht Race is one of the oldest multi-sport endurance races in the world, combining sailing, running and a little cycling with rowing allowed in moments of calm.

It takes competitors through some spectacular scenery and challenges sailors’ navigational skills.

The 39th edition will start on the 11 June 2016.

The race draws competitors from a wide variety of sporting backgrounds and sailing experience, ranging from offshore cruising to round-the-world racing. Sailing and sports clubs, military, corporate and charity teams all enter the race and compete on equal terms.

Teams of four or five per yacht sail from Barmouth on the west coast of Wales up to the finish in Fort William on the west coast of Scotland.

Two of the crew are required to climb each of the highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland en route, thereby running the equivalent of three marathons in 3 or 4 days.

During the first leg from Barmouth, yachts sail approximately 62 sea miles, past Bardsey Island and the Lleyn Peninsula, over Caernarfon Bar and into Caernarfon. The runners then set off to the summit of Snowdon, a distance of just over 24 miles by the time they are back at the boats. There is no pause after the run, it is then directly on to the next phase of the race.

The second leg from Caernarfon to Whitehaven offers the sailors some unique navigational challenges. There is the tough decision either to sail around the Isle of Anglesey or continue, under sail only, through the infamous Menai Straits.

After a further sail of approximately 100 miles, yachts arrive at the marina in Whitehaven for the longest land leg of the race. At just over 40 miles, event organisers have taken pity on competitors and bicycles are allowed for the first part. Runners then proceed to the summit of Scafell Pike and return to their yacht via the same route.

The third leg from Whitehaven to Fort William involves approximately 230 miles of stunning sailing, rounding the Mull of Kintyre into the Sound of Jura, with many tidal gates to negotiate.

The race finishes just north of Fort William at Corpach, which is the entrance to the Caledonian Canal where the sailing ends and the runners set off on a 14 mile run to the summit of Ben Nevis and back to the finish line.

Entries are now open and the organisers would welcome enquiries. There is an early bird discount of £800 available until the 1 March and £900 thereafter.

To find out more email info@threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk