First of influx of visiting yachts begin to arrive in Lerwick

The first of around 80 yachts expected in Lerwick Harbour over the next few days in four different races began arriving today.

Among the early arrivals were the Dutch yachts Leef je Droom and Grote Pier, with more coming in as the evening progressed. They were part of the biennial North Sea Triangle Challenge, which left Den Helder in Holland on Sunday.

The overlapping annual Bergen-Shetland Race’s first entrants were due to arrive from Bergen tomorrow, having left Norway today, and depart Lerwick on the return leg on Sunday.

The yachts in the biennial 1,000-mile Doublehanded Race – described as the most challenging in the northern North Sea – were also due to join the Bergen-Shetland Race at the start in Norway.

Finally, the Old Gaffers Association’s Round Britain Challenge is on a first time visit to Lerwick from 25th to 27th June as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of its formation to promote gaff rig and traditional boat sailing.

Around 600 sailors are expected in town over the weekend, making it one of the busiest periods of the year in the harbour.