A TEAM of scientists, managers and military advisers from the Porton-based Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) are taking to the seas as part of the Three Peaks Yacht Race to raise money for SSAFA.

The team has decided to go the extra mile in support of the British military by competing in this race, which is one of the oldest and most extreme multisport endurance events in the world.

The Three Peaks Yacht race starts on Saturday, June 7.

Teams sail from Wales to Scotland in a yacht, stopping en route to scale Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis.

A total of 400 nautical miles is covered under sail (and even rowing should the winds be light), with 74 miles of fell running and 26 miles of off-road mountain biking.

All of this takes place around the clock – day and night – in some extreme weather conditions.

The course is expected to take about a week to complete.

The Dstl Three Peaks Yacht race team is led by skipper Simon Zavad, who is helped out at the helm by navigator Graham Williams, with the team of five completed by Phil Smith, Jem Bersin and Andy Palmer.

The team is looking to raise more than £2,000 to help SSAFA continue its much needed work providing lifelong support to the forces and families.

Mr Zavad said: “Working for Dstl as part of the Ministry of Defence, we are perhaps more aware than most of the courage and commitment displayed by our forces on a daily basis.

Competing in the Three Peaks Yacht Race on behalf of SSAFA is our small way of helping to give a bit back.”