The runners have been reported as training in the Andes to improve fitness, and Florida to cover possible heatwave conditions. The Three Peaks concept has now been duplicated in the Scottish Peaks, English Universal 500, the Australian Three Peaks, and a Norwegian Three Peaks. Similar events are being planned in the USA and Japan. This year there were 15 starters, including three multihulls, a low turnout reflecting the recession, injuries and other conflicting events. Janette was the fastest boat overall last year, but ended up second by six minutes when their runners were overtaken on Ben Nevis.
Hulls are voluminous, allowing the boat to be driven hard, and also room for double bunks.
David had optimised the design using a radio controlled model. John Chaundy and Brian Thompson were the other sailors, both having campaigned before on Spirit in the AZAB and Severalles Challenge in the Scottish Peaks. John had been on the winning boats in three previous Three Peaks races, and Brian was fresh back from setting new transpacific records on Lakota. Our runners were Ken Taylor and Jack Holt, who were on Severalles in two previous Three Peaks wins. Ken broke the Mountain Aggregate record in 1985 at an amazing 10.32 hours, which although attempted some 600 times since, has never been bettered.