The annual Three Peaks Yacht Race weighs anchor on the afternoon of Saturday 9th June. Starting in Barmouth, eight teams will compete in one of the world's oldest adventure races, now in its 41st year.
© Rob Howard
Inspired by the climbing and sailing exploits of Barmouth resident Major H.W. Tilman, this amphibious race takes combined crews of runners and sailors up Britain's west coast, with the runners going ashore along the way to climb the highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland.
Past races have attracted some big names in British sailing and mountain running, while the field this year includes both newcomers and old hands.
© Rob Howard
The sailing distance is around 389 miles and the hazards are enough to challenge any skipper, including sand bars, the passage of the rocky Menai Strait, numerous tidal gates and shallow harbour entrances. There is even a whirlpool to avoid, the infamous Corryvreckan. If the weather is calm, teams have to man the oars.
For the runners the challenge is to run up and down Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis from the nearest point on coast. They will be on the mountains in the dark some of the time and will cover 72 miles of running and 14,000 feet of climbing, plus 26 miles of cycling in the Lake District. They may also have to row a yacht, learn to sail and cope with seasickness and a lack of sleep before even setting foot on land.
© Rob Howard
- During the race there will be live website updates with satellite tracking of the yachts and runners and daily photos and reports. Find out more about the race and the teams, and follow the action at www.threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk
- You can also follow the race on Facebook and Twitter @3peaksyacht and #3pyr
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