Frequently asked Questions
The 3 Peaks Yacht Race is a challenging race and for those who have not done it before it can be quite intimidating. Fortunately there is loads of information available about the many challenges the race posses and how best to tackle them. The most comprehensive is a booklet "Race advice for skippers and sailing crew 2027" by Keith Mander. The 2027 edition is currently being worked on and when it is ready I will email information on how to obtain a copy to all interested parties.
Frequently asked Questions
1)
Question: Do you have to carry the bikes for the Whitehaven to Scafell Pike leg on your yacht.
Answer: No, you can but you can also get your support crew (not essential but handy) to deliver them to Whitehaven.
2)
Question: What sort off bike is most suitable for the ride from Whitehaven to Ennerdale?
Answer: The last section of the ride up Ennerdale to Black Sail Youth Hostel is quite rocky. The perfect bike would be a gravel bike although a mountain bike would also work. A road bike with steel wheels and puncture resistant tyres can also work.
3)
Question: How do you handle the "Swellies" (this is a challenging section of the Menai Straits between the Britannia Bridge and The Menai Suspension Bridge).
Answer: Well there is no easy answer! Study the detailed charts very carefully and read the pilotage advice beforehand. If you arrive with the tide against then many simply drop the anchor and wait, then go through at slack water. The wind can be (always is in my experience) fluky so I would have the oars ready to give you some forward motion if the wind fails. If it is windy the brave have in the past successfully sailed through against the tide (the tides are neaps on the race weekend).
The other option is to avoid them completely by sailing around the outside of Anglesey. Most people do not do this but it has in the past sometimes worked well.
4)
Question: Do the same 2 people have to go the the top of each mountain.
Answer: No, any 2 members of your crew can go to the top of each mountain. However there is a prize (The King of The Mountains) for the fastest cumulative time to the top of the 3 mountains and this can only be won if the same 2 people do all 3.
There is also a coveted Prize "The Tilman" for the first crew to finish on handicap that puts 4 different members of the crew on the top of at least one mountain.
In reality most crews are made up op 3 sailors and 2 runners, but there are absolutely no rules on this. The first time I competed in the race all 5 of us got to the top of at least 1 mountain (we came last). The second time we had 3 crew members reach the top of at least one mountain (we came 6th) and the last time we recruited two runners who were also excellent sailors and only they ran all 3 mountains and we won!