Frequently Asked Questions
Before Entering
How do I put a team together?
It’s rare to have a ready made team with skipper, sailors and runners – especially if it is your first time. Our forum is the best place to start if you are a skipper looking for sailors or runners. Each year, there are usually more people looking to take part than boats available so an advert on the forum is a great place to start! This works well for both skippers and those wanting to compete as sailors or runners who need a boat.
If you are specifically looking for competitive fell runners then head over to the Fell Runners Association forum and pop the question there. There are also several Crew Wanted type groups on Facebook that will likely produce fellow sailors.
If you are a runner or sailor looking for a boat then again our forum is the best bet or even better, make friends with someone who owns a yacht and get them to enter!
Is there a guide or advice available?
It can be quite intimidating for a skipper who is new to the race and not familiar with some of the course, particularly around Anglesey and the Scottish Highlands. Newcomers may find the following books invaluble in planning:
Cruising Anglesey and Adjoining Waters
CCC Sailing Directions – Kintyre to Ardnamurchan
One of our regular entrants Keith Mander produces a detailed guide of the route and tidal calculations in return for a contribution to his favourite children’s hospice. Details will be available nearer the time. If you can’t wait that long then don’t hesitate to ask questions and get advice on our forum and we can also put you in touch with some very experienced skippers who have done the race multiple times.
Why is it so expensive?
The race is organised by entirely volunteers from the Merioneth Yacht Club and we try to keep the cost as low as possible, after all some of the organisers also take part and they have to pay the full entry fee too. The fee was kept at £850 for many years and with recent doses of inflation we unfortunately had to increase the entry fee in 2023 to £1000 or £1250 for late entries.
The main cost is the expense of marshalling. Even though the marshals are unpaid volunteers, we still have to cover their transport and hotel costs in Caernarfon, Whitehaven, and Fort William. Other significant costs are the laying of moorings in Barmouth and the YellowBrick trackers.
What’s included in the entry fee?
The entry fee covers all the logistics of organising and operating the race, marshalling 24/7 during the week of competition, live race coverage via our website, and the supply of a satellite tracking device. You also get free mooring and ferry services at Barmouth, and often some nice goodies from our wonderful sponsors. You are responsible for your own insurance, mooring fees at Whitehaven and Fort William, and for the return of the tracking device if you don’t finish the race.
You can have an extra crew member if it’s a lady?
The fact is that usually, nearly all the competitors are men. We would love to see some more girls in the event so yes, you can have a sixth crew member. We appreciate that this might raise a few eyebrows but frankly, if the concept is good enough for the Volvo Ocean Race then it’s good enough for us.
Before the Start
When should we arrive in Barmouth by?
Skippers must arrive with their boat at least 24 hours before the start so by Saturday 13th July. Free mooring is provided from Monday 8th July although someone must remain on board overnight. Runners and other crew can arrive any time before the briefings on the morning of the race.
Should I bring my friends and family to the start?
Absolutely you should. If you haven’t been to Barmouth before then you’re missing out on this beautiful seaside town with it’s wonderful long sandy beach that is perfect for the children. There is a real party atmosphere on race weekend but be warned, accommodation fills up early.
For the sporty types there is paddle boarding available in the harbour and the Coed y Brenin mountain biking centre is just a 25 minute drive away. Those of a less sporting nature will certainly enjoy Barmouth’s fine array of eateries.
Is there a pre-race party?
There certainly is. A hearty meal will be available in the yacht club on the Saturday night for the teams followed by some heavy socialising and eyeing up the competition in the upstairs bar which overlooks this beautiful harbour. Competitors bringing friends and family to the start will find plenty of alternatives among Barmouth’s many pubs and restaurants.
What is the best pub in Barmouth?
We couldn’t possibly say. They’re all great.
During the Event
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 days depending on the weather and your runners legs. The race begins at 1400 on Sunday 14th July and runs non-stop with most boats arriving in Fort William on the following Thursday or Friday. The course will close on Saturday 20th July.
Do you really have to row?
Well no but probably yes. Most boats will bring a large set of oars with them and there are usually several spells of no wind during the event. Watching your competitors disappear while you wallow in the swell can be very disappointing and anyway, rowing is definitely part of the fun. Obviously, the bigger the boat the less effective the tactic becomes but something around 34 feet might get 1.5 knots reducing to 1 knot for a 38 footer.
Do you really have to sail through the Swellies?
Well no but probably yes. Going around the top of Anglesey is always an option (and occasionally a good one) however most boats will go through the Menai Straits as it is just usually faster. Attempting it at the full strength of the tide could get pretty hairy so the sensible thing is to anchor, relax, and wait for slack water when it becomes quite easy and absolutely part of the fun. The wind is likely to be light due to the sheltered location and having to row through in a flat calm is very common.
If you really don’t fancy it then there is the option to take a 12 hour time penalty and crack on with the engine but for most crews, it’s a highlight of the race.
Do we need a support team?
No and most teams don’t have one although having someone meet you at Whitehaven with your bikes is very useful. You can take the bikes on your boat of course but they do take up a lot of room.
How can I follow the event?
We will have a page on this website dedicated to providing live coverage as well as real-time tracking provided by YellowBrick and of course plenty going on with Facebook and Instagram.
Check back with us in the days prior to kick off.
After the Event
Is there a post-race party?
Absolutely, usually around Corpach marina on the Friday night. It tends to be low-key as everyone is pretty tired but there are late night options down the road in Fort William for those wanting to keep going.
What are the options for getting home?
There is a small rail station at Corpach linking to the bigger station in Fort William where you will find a direct and scenic train to Glasgow and here all transport options become available. There is also a more refined rail option of the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train direct to London calling at various main line stations along the way.
For those in something of a hurry, there are local taxi services which for a fee will whisk you to Glasgow. This could make a lot of sense for a group of three or four and you may also find space with one of your competitors if they are getting a lift home with someone. Again, if you’re looking for a ride then pop a question on the forum and you may get lucky.
Those with more time on their hands and who haven’t had enough of sailing will very likely get a ride on one of the boats leaving for various home ports even if your own boat is going somewhere else and the skippers will usually be glad of an extra pair of hands.
Are there any other sailing events after the race?
As luck would have it, West Highland Week starts the following weekend and offers relaxing and family friendly day racing between Oban, Craobh Haven, and Tobermory. Even if you don’t fancy any more racing, the Highlands are one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in Britain so why rush home and don’t forget, Corpach is also the start of the Caledonian Canal and offers an interesting few days of transit through Loch Ness to Inverness. You could even make it part of that Round Britain trip that you’ve been promising yourself for years.