Tall Ships Lerwick 2023 gets under way from 26th-29th July, bringing a buzz to communities across the islands.
There is a growing sense of anticipation as the first ships have begun arriving in Lerwick Harbour for the Tall Ships Races.
The international event returns to Lerwick for the third time in 2023, having previously stopped off at Shetland’s main port in 1999 and 2011.
As well as the spectacular sight of dozens of sailing ships in the harbour, there is also a packed programme of entertainment over four days.
The entertainment includes visiting headline bands playing on the same bill as some of Shetland’s many talented local musicians. Listen to a playlist featuring a mixture of the local and national talent.
There will also be a variety of street entertainment, children’s events, and free concerts at the Tall Ships’ sites around the harbour.
But at the heart of the event is the arrival of the impressive fleet of sail-powered vessels. The first of the spectacular Tall Ships fleet sailed into Lerwick on Monday with the Norwegian Loyal and the Indonesian Navy’s newest and largest sail training ship, the Class A Bima Suci being the first arrivals.
Lerwick welcomes the races at the end of the Cruise in Company leg of the races, which allows the international flotilla to stop at various ports en route to Lerwick – including in two of Shetland’s most northerly islands, Yell and Unst.
The spectacle will bring many visitors to Shetland to experience the atmosphere and the incredible sight of the harbour taken over by tall ships. And thousands of people, including from every corner of Shetland, will fill the town as the fun and entertainments begin in earnest – helping confirm that Shetland is adept at celebrating in style!
The event even has the Royal stamp of approval, with The Princess Royal to visit and enjoy the spectacle herself.
Some of those she will meet are the 100 sail trainees involved in the races through Sail Training Shetland. Local youngsters each year get the opportunity to learn new skills and develop on board Shetland’s own sail training ship the Swan.
In 2023 they have the added excitement of sailing into their “home port”.
As well as being a big deal for the community, it will be an busy time for the port controllers in Lerwick with 37 tall ships berthed in the harbour alongside the regular visits of cruise ships, and fishing boats landing their catches from the bountiful waters that surround Shetland.
Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive, Captain Calum Grains, said: “With the big day finally here, we are proud to be a host port for the Races for the third time.
“It is our privilege to join with the community in welcoming crews and trainees, thousands of visitors and, of course, HRH The Princess Royal.”
He added that maintaining routine harbour traffic and the busy cruise season, while welcoming the Tall Ships was a ”visible demonstration of the port’s capacity and versatility.”
“Sincere thanks go to all staff and those who have worked alongside us to make the occasion possible, including Shetland Tall Ships Ltd, organisers of the islands’ involvement.”
Vessels will begin departing around 11am on Saturday 29 July to join in a colourful Parade of Sail as they set course for the final race leg to Arendal, Norway.
If you're not lucky enough to be in Shetland, you can still enjoy the action from Tall Ships Lerwick on the Promote Shetland website.
Between 26th and 29th July we will be carrying the organiser's official livestream which will capture the action from the harbour and some of the quayside entertainment.
If you feel inspired to find out more about sailing in Shetland, and the excellent marinas around the islands, check out our Sail section.
Or simply sit back and enjoy the best of the action live from Lerwick.