A team from the Isle of Man took second place in this year's UK Powerbar Three Peaks Yacht Race.

The gruelling event, now in its 33rd year, combines a conventinal yacht race with three fell races up the highest peaks in the British Isles: Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.

A team of five - June COllister, Russell Collister, Tom Cringle, Keith Lord and Richard Sille - completed the Barmouth to Fort William race last Thursday (2nd July) after nearly five days at sea.

The event is open to monohulls of any size and a minimum of two team members must climb each of the peaks against the clock.

In addition to this physical challenge, the team had to navigate 'A-Crewed Interest' through some of the most daunting waters in Britain.

Russell Collister, a Director of IOMA Fund & Investment Management Ltd, commented ‘It was an experience to complete the race and all credit to our runners, Tom Cringle and Richard Sille for their efforts in climbing all three mountains in fast time to enable us to be the second boat to finish in Fort William.

'The light conditions throughout most of the race meant that we had to row for many hours day and night to keep with the main pack.

'Fortunately, Ramsey Rowing Club had lent us some very nice carbon blades which helped enormously.

'This was a real team effort, navigated by June Collister and skippered by Keith Lord, but the real challenge for most of us was overcoming the sleep deprivation from racing short handed day and night for several days.

‘In total, our team completed 389 miles of difficult coastal sailing, 18 miles of cycling and 72 miles of running, with 14,000 feet of ascent to reach the highest points in Wales, England and Scotland. 

'I am very proud to have been involved with this exciting event and glad we all made it to the finish line.’

Pictured: (standing, l-r) June COllister, Russell Collister, Tom Cringle, Keith Lord; (sitting) Richard Sille