More than 40 yachts to take part in Bergen-Shetland yacht race

THE ANNUAL Bergen-Shetland yacht race is set to leave Norway on next Wednesday (21 June).

A total of 43 yachts have been entered, including the large 76ft yacht Enderpearl and a former Volvo Ocean racer Lolmao, which is 60ft.

Depending on the wind, the first yachts are expected in Lerwick from next Thursday afternoon (22 June).

Two thirds of the fleet are new entrants including crews from Germany and Sweden. Around 220 sailors are expected for the weekend.

The highlight of the event is the prizegiving at Mareel on the Friday evening for the first leg of the race across the North Sea.

The local organising committee said it is “indebted” to Shetland Islands Council, EnQuest, Peterson and Shetland Bonded Services for their support.

As usual, the race can be followed with online tracking at shetlandrace.no and timekeepers will be ready at Lerwick Boating Club to log arrivals.

A volunteer liaison crew will be based at Victoria Pier supporting the event.

The return race back to Bergen is an early start on Sunday morning (25 June) with yachts crossing the start line at Lerwick at 8am.