Coastguard assist racing yachts

COASTGUARD teams and the Lerwick lifeboat were called out this morning (Friday) to assist around 30 yachts to reach safer berths within Lerwick harbour.

The yachts, participating in the Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race, were exposed to the strengthening northerly wind while berthed at Albert Dock.

A spokesman for the race organisers said that crews had to call Shetland Coastguard for assistance when it became clear that the force seven winds were about to cause damage to the yachts.

There was some “superficial” damage sustained to a few of the Class 40 yachts, he said.

The 30 or so yachts are being moved to the more sheltered marina at Gremista, at the north end of the Lerwick harbour.

This weekend, Lerwick harbour plays host to around 90 yachts participating in two separate races, the Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race and the annual Shetland to Bergen race.