Global television coverage for 39th edition of the Three Peaks Yacht Race

Three Peaks Yacht Race action © Three Peaks Yacht Race

The start of the Three Peaks Yacht Race on the 11th June is shaping up to the most exciting in recent history and there's still time for you to join in the fun.

Television

The Three Peaks Yacht Race in conjunction with Wales Adventure 2016 and Dream Team Television International are proud to announce that the event will be the subject of two separate television documentaries. The Welsh broadcaster S4C will feature a 3 part series following the adventures of a Welsh ladies team. A further more broadly based one hour programme will be produced for broadcast on Channel 4, and UK Satellite channels Sky, British Eurosport and Setanta Sport. This programme will be further distributed worldwide through Dream Team Television International.

The programmes will highlight this incredible event and follow the battle of an all-girls team skippered by Pip Hare as they battle it out with Dee Caffari and her team of adventurers.

The Race

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.

Three Peaks Yacht Race action - photo © Three Peaks Yacht Race

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 through some of the most beautiful scenery but 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, for eternal glory!

The race is looking for sponsors or race partners. If you are interested in taking part or supporting this classic adventure please email

For more information on the Three Peaks Yacht Race visit www.threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk