Iconic Three Peaks Race Returns to Tasmania After 13-Year Hiatus

One of Tasmania’s most iconic endurance events will return at Easter 2027 after a 13-year hiatus, with more than 50 boats and 100 competitors already expressing interest in the revival of the legendary Three Peaks Race.

The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT) has confirmed it will run the internationally renowned event for the first time since 2013.

First held in 1989 and inspired by the Three Peaks Yacht Race in the United Kingdom, the race combines 334 nautical miles of offshore sailing with 133 kilometres of mountain running. Teams of five – three sailors and two runners – sail from the Tamar River to Flinders Island, down Tasmania’s east coast and into Hobart, with runners tackling Mount Strzelecki, Mount Freycinet and kunanyi / Mount Wellington along the way.

Former Three Peaks Race winner John Saul, who competed in the event 10 times, said the unique combination of sailing, endurance and teamwork kept drawing him back.

“It was just a fantastic race. There was so much variety and so much challenge and no two races were ever the same. Winning was special, but it was just as rewarding to take part because everyone had their own challenges to overcome,” Mr Saul said.

Although firmly one of the sailors, Mr Saul unexpectedly found himself tackling the final run up kunanyi / Mount Wellington during one race after injuries sidelined both of his team’s runners and their reserve. Borrowing an oversized pair of sandshoes from a crewmate, he completed the climb so his team could finish.

“We broke the steering, we broke sails, we broke people,” he said.

“When I look back, that was still one of the most enjoyable races because we got through all those challenges together. We didn’t do well on the scoreboard, but we were incredibly proud that we’d finished.”

RYCT Vice Commodore Rob Greenwell said the event was unlike anything else in Australia.

“There’s nowhere else in the country where you can combine offshore sailing with running up three spectacular mountains in such an incredible wilderness setting,” Mr Greenwell said.

“The Three Peaks Race has a rich history and there’s genuine excitement about seeing it return after more than a decade. We’ve already had strong interest from sailors, runners and adventure athletes, which shows the appetite is there.”

The race will be capped at 30 boats due to berthing limitations at Lady Barron on Flinders Island.

Among those preparing for the challenge is Hobart sailor Grace Bottomley (22), who admits she wasn’t much of a runner when she first heard the event was returning.

“I saw it and immediately thought, ‘That’s so cool – we have to bring that back,’” Ms Bottomley said.

“It’s the combination of two ultimate endurance sports. You’re sailing offshore, then jumping off the boat and running up mountains. It’s a huge challenge, but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.”

Asked about her running background, Ms Bottomley laughed.

“When I first mentioned it to Mum, she said, ‘Grace, you’re not a marathon runner,’” she said.

“Since then I’ve done a lot of running.”

Ms Bottomley said the unpredictability of the race was part of its attraction.

“You could be stepping off a yacht at two o’clock in the morning and heading straight up a mountain. That’s exciting.”

“I really believe that with true determination and courage you can do anything you put your mind too.”

“I really want to be involved because this is the year it comes back. It’s a special event and it’s exciting to be part of its next chapter.”

Mr Greenwell said modern technology would allow spectators to follow the race more closely than ever before through live tracking, onboard cameras and real-time updates.

“People will be able to watch the race unfold as it happens, which will bring a whole new audience to the event,” he said.

The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania intends to run the Three Peaks Race as a biennial event, with future opportunities to expand participation categories and grow the event’s national profile.

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