Introducing the South West 3 'Peaks' Yacht Race
by Amelia Whitaker 26 Apr 2015 20:43 NZST
12-14 June 2015
At Lands End during the South West 3 Peaks Yacht Race © Barry Pound
St Mawes to Newlyn to Fowey to Plymouth
- Sail 115 miles
- Cycle 134 miles
- Run 29 miles
All in a weekend!
The race consists of 3 disciplines sailing, cycling and running. The race which will appeal to those outdoor types who are always seeking a new challenge. Each crew can consist of 4,5 or 6 members, any 2 of whom must get to each of the 3 "Peaks". So a crew may consist of 3 sailors and 2 cyclist/runners who do all 3 "Peaks" or all 5 crew may get to at least one of the "Peaks" or a combination as desired by each team. The race will start at 12:00 on Friday 12th June, however boats must have arrived in St Mawes the night before so team briefings can be completed before the race starts. The fastest crews (given fair winds) are expected to finish in Plymouth by midnight on Saturday. The cut off for the end of the race will be 18:00 on Sunday.
The Course
2 crew members must run a 5 mile loop from St Mawes to St Just before rowing out to their boats.
Sail: St Mawes to Newlyn
2 crew members cycle from here to Porthcurno, where they leave their bikes before running along the coastal path to Lands End (the first "Peak"). They then run back to Porthcurno pick up their bikes and cycle back to Newlyn. (18.5 mile cycling, 13 mile running)
Sail: Newlyn to Fowey
2 crew members cycle from here to Jamaica Inn, where they leave their bikes and run to the top of Brown Willy (the 2nd Peak and Cornwall's highest point). They then run back down to Jamaica Inn, pick up their bikes and cycle back to Fowey. (47 mile cycling, 7.7 mile running)
Sail: Fowey to Plymouth (via Eddystone Lighthouse)
2 crew members cycle from here on the coast to coast cycle route to Meldon Resevoir (nr Okehampton) then leave their bikes and run to the top of Yes Tor (the 3rd Peak and Devon's highest point). They then run back to their bikes and cycle back to the finish in Plymouth (68 mile cycling and 4 mile running)
The basic rules are that each boat shall have 4,5 or 6 crew members who should be on the boat at all times while sailing.
Each of the 3 "Peaks" must be reached by any 2 of the crew members, who must stay together at all times.
Bikes can either be carried by the yachts or moved by support crew. Yachts must be between 26 and 50 foot in length. Engines will be allowed to be used for entering and exiting harbours.
Entry will cost £300 per boat For more details see www.nearwaterevents.co.uk or ring Tim Whitaker on 01326 279278 or email