COMPETITORS from around the world are gearing up for the 39th Three Peaks Yacht Race which starts in Barmouth today (Saturday).

The race, which started in 1977, attracts high profile sportsmen and women who sail up the west coast of north Wales, England and Scotland and then run to the summits of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, the highest peaks of Wales, England and Scotland.

This year’s race will be even more memorable as a three-part documentary for S4C based around the adventures of an all girl team headed by Elin Haf Davies will be produced.

Elin was brought up on a farm at Parc, near Bala.

She has known about the endurance element of the Three Peaks Race all her life and it was always on her bucket list.

Elin has completed some extraordinary adventures including rowing across both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and is looking forward to Three Peaks Yacht race.

“I’m seriously excited about being part of team aparito. Pip, Nikki, Lowri and Jo are all phenomenal athletes and I feel honoured to be part of the team, if not a bit intimidated!

“Being Welsh and having the opportunity to start a race from Wales is also incredibly exciting - especially as I’ve done most of my other challenges in all different corners of the world. Home advantage to start will be a big help I’m sure.

“It’ll be a great opportunity to fly the flag for women, Wales and a charity I feel passionate about - Findacure.”

As well as competing against each other, the teams also raise money for various charities.

Elin will sail as part of a team, which includes the celebrated Television presenter and adventurer, Lowri Morgan.

They will be face stiff opposition from two past event winners and as well as Dee Caffari MBE, who is celebrated as the first to sail single-handedly non-stop around the world westward, with the prevailing winds and current, against her.

Both Elin and Lowri are ambassadors for Wales Adventure 2016.

To link up with that S4C has commissioned a three-part documentary following the adventures of an all-female team which includes Elin and Lowri.

The programmes will be screened on S4C on 13, 20 and 27 July and be produced by Dream Team Television in association with Slam Media.

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News