Bergen to Shetland yachts are underway

Forty-four yachts are on their way from Norway to Lerwick in the annual Bergen-Shetland Race.

The yachts crossed the start line at 1pm (local time) today and the Solo with her two-man crew has taken an early lead.

When she last participated in the race in 2012, the Solo was the first yacht to reach Lerwick – and they will be hoping to repeat that success this year.

Competitors this year include two yachts with 12 crew on each (Cutting Edge I and Cutting Edge II) and as usual the race will be keenly contested.

With winds forecast to be north-east Force 6 for much of the crossing, it should mean a fast race with the 44 yachts expected in Lerwick Harbour during tomorrow.

A total of 250 crew members are onboard the yachts for a weekend in Lerwick prior to departing again on Sunday morning.

Online tracking of the fleet’s progress is available.