The Race

The Powerbar Three Peaks Yacht Race – 389 miles of yacht racing, 60 miles of running including over 12000 vertical ft and 30 miles of cycling makes this race one of the toughest challenges anyone could ever put themselves through!

 The race begins in Barmouth, Wales on Saturday 28th June with a team of five (three sailors and two runners/ cyclists), and involves sailing the west coast of the UK, scaling the highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland on the way to the finish line in Fort William, Scotland.

The first port of call is Caernarfon, where the runners jump off the boat and face their first challenge of scaling Snowdon.  Whether the boat arrives at the strike of midnight or the break of dawn, the runners set out on a 24 mile epic round trip to the summit and back.

As soon as the runners are back on the boat, the race is on to beat the currents of the Menai Straits and set sail to Whitehaven, England, where the swell can make even getting into the harbour a trying experience.  After having only a few hours rest while at sea, the runners set off again to the summit of Scafell Pike, this time with the added difficulty of 30 miles of cycling as well as the 18 miles of running to complete the return trip.

Once the crew is reunited on the boat, they set off on the longest and final sea leg of the race to Fort William, Scotland.  Every second they can gain on their opponents at this stage of the race is vital to give the runners every advantage possible when they set off on their third and final grueling mountain assault.  From the boat to the summit of Ben Nevis, the runners use the last of their strength and energy to be the first back to Fort William and through the ribbon to complete this ultimate challenge.

The Three Peaks Yacht Race attracts competitors from all over the world with this year’s race having entries confirmed from as far a field as the USA.

The wide interest in the event draws significant media attention with press coverage including news bulletins, newspapers and a series of documentaries confirmed for Channel 4.  The race organizers are also in discussions with the Irish network RTE.

Further information about the race can be found at the organisers website www.threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk