Lerwick and Shetland welcome the Tall Ships and Royal Visit
Lerwick Harbour yesterday (Monday 24 July) began welcoming the fleet of sailing vessels in the spectacular Tall Ships Races, heralding a four-day festival of fun for Shetland.
First two vessels to enter the islands’ main port were Norwegian Class B, Loyal and the Indonesian Navy’s newest and largest Class A, Bima Suci.
With vessels visiting various ports en route during the Cruise in Company leg from Fredrikstad, Norway, the staggered arrivals of all 37 in the international flotilla must be completed by Wednesday 26 July for the official start of the Lerwick event.
Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive, Captain Calum Grains, said: “It has been an increasingly hectic planning and preparation period over four years which has been impacted by the Covid pandemic. With the big day finally here, we are proud to be a host port for the Races for the third time.
“It is our privilege to join with the community in welcoming crews and trainees, thousands of visitors and, of course, HRH The Princess Royal.”
Her visit to the islands, with husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, beginning on Thursday, will include engagements with the vessels and their crews, participants, organisers and sponsors, plus attending a Captains’ Dinner.
“Our ability to cope with routine operations and a busy cruise season – including six cruise vessels during the event – plus Tall Ships, is a visible demonstration of the port’s capacity and versatility,” said Captain Grains.
“Sincere thanks go to all staff and those who have worked alongside us to make the occasion possible, including Shetland Tall Ships Ltd, organisers of the islands’ involvement.”
A hundred trainees, recruited by local charity Sail Training Shetland, are taking part on board the sailing ships.
Vessels will begin departing around 11am on Saturday 29 July to join in a colourful Parade of Sail as they set course for the final race leg to Arendal, Norway.
