Return of Bergen-Shetland Race creates buzz around town

It is the largest number of yachts the town’s small boat harbour has seen since pre-pandemic, with the 36th race having seen 40 entrants and almost 200 crew assembling in Bergen last Wednesday (22 June).

The yachts made their way across the North Sea with the first contestants completing the journey of 183 nautical miles in bright, blustery conditions on Thursday.

Around half of the race fleet were regular competitors, with the majority Norwegian, but this time their number also included German yachta Haspa Hamburg. The 52-foot vessel, which offers young people the opportunity to sail and race offshore, was the first to cross the line in Lerwick Harbour.

Scottish entrants included Erin, from Port Edgar Yacht Club on the River Forth, and Reindeer from the Clyde Cruising Club.

The finishing line for the first leg of the race is Lerwick Boating Club’s pier at the town’s historic and picturesque Lodberries.

Sandra Laurenson of the Shetland Race committee said the cross-North Sea event was always a prestigious one in the sailing calendar and noted “a lot of first time entrants this year”.

She hopes the success of Haspa Hamburg, which was the first to complete both legs of the race, will encourage more nationalities to get involved in the open entry event in future years.

“The visiting yachts created a really sociable atmosphere around the town this weekend," Sandra said.

“The crews have greatly enjoyed their time in Lerwick and appreciated the warm welcome they received.

“It’s provided our sailing community with a huge morale boost ahead of a very significant year in 2023, with the Tall Ships Races returning to Lerwick and all the excitement that will bring.”

A prizegiving event was held at local arts venue Mareel on Friday evening, including a civic reception hosted by Shetland Islands Council with sponsorship from Enquest, Peterson and Shetland Bonded Services.

While the Haspa Hamburg took the trophies for crossing the line first and best newcomer, the overall winner was Amante.

Her victory was particularly appreciated as she is a regular participant and has “on many occasions won the wooden spoon as the last arrival”.

Carrying a handicap of 0.84, Amante’s corrected time put her an impressive 50 minutes ahead. In contrast, Haspa Hamburrg’s handicap of 1.23 left her finishing in midtable overall.

Following a cheerful weekend of making and renewing acquaintances, the yachts crossed the start line for the return leg at around 9am on Sunday.

Not all of the visiting boats were taking part in the second race, with some staying on to enjoy a holiday on this side of the North Sea and others returning directly to their home ports in Norway.

Several thousand visitors are expected when Shetland welcomes the Tall Ships Races back to the islands in July 2023. It is Lerwick’s third time as a host port, and its first since 2011.

Sailing has long played an important part in Shetland’s industrial and cultural heritage, and the islands provide a fantastic cruising ground for yachtsmen and women seeking interesting challenges on the water.

The 1,700 miles of coastline around our 100 islands offers a beautiful combination of dramatic cliffs and natural harbours – the perfect destination for sailing enthusiasts.

• To plan your own sailing excursion in Shetland, visit our dedicated sailing page for lots of useful information.