Lerwick is the capital of the Shetland Islands, 160 km north off the coast of Scotland. In 1999 the town of 7500 inhabitants was a host port to the Tall Ships Races, temporarily boosting the population by over 100%! The town itself is small, but there are beautiful sights to see, like Fort Charlotte, the Shetland museum and the ruins of Clickimin Broch. The island’s windswept hills are perfect for a strenuous hike, and will give you a good reason to replenish lost calories in the town’s tavern.
The Tall Ships Races
Every year dozens of Tall Ships, as well as small ships and yachts gather for races and harbour events, which include Crew Parades, Crew Parties, competitions, concerts, fireworks and more. Every leg starts with Parade of Sail – a spectacular departure of all the Ships together, and ends with the last two days of the Journey spent in the destination port.
The Tall Ships Races 2023 will take the fleet across the North Sea 4 times! Starting in Den Helder, the Netherlands, the Ships will embark on Race 1 to Hartlepool in Great Britain. Race 2 will take them to Norwegian Fredrikstad, from where they will sail in Cruise in Company to Lerwick in the Shetlands. The final Race 3 will end back in Norway – this time in a charming town of Arendal.
