The South West 3 'Peaks' Yacht Race 2014
by Amelia Whitaker 13 Jan 2014 12:16 GMT
20-22 June 2014
Action from the 2013 South West 3 Peaks Yacht Race © Amelia Whitaker
The race was inspired by my participation in the Barmouth to Fort William 3 Peaks Race in 2012. Having thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the race, but realising its 5 day duration and the complicated logistics of getting boats from their home ports to the start and back from the finish we set out to create a similar but more accessible race in the South West.
The South West 3 "Peaks" race takes in sailing, cycling and running (115miles, 140 miles and 29 miles respectively) all over the course of a weekend. Yachts with a crew of 6 enter, with 2 of the crew needing to complete each of the shore tasks. We had to be a little inventive with our "Peaks". The first "Peak" is actually Lands End, the second Brown Willy (Cornwall's highest point) and the third Yes Tor (Devon's highest point). With its long cycling legs and relatively short recovery times between each shore leg this is a tough race but ideal for those looking for a bit of added adventure.
Yachts start in St Mawes, sail to Newlyn, then Fowey and finish in Plymouth. This year's race was won by Team Hobbit from Fowey sailing a J111 in a total time of 30 hours and 27 minutes. Strong winds meant that this inaugural race was both exciting and challenging with only 3 of the 7 yachts entered finishing.
Next year's race start on 20th June.
www.nearwaterevents.co.uk/3-peaks-yacht-race