Tall Ships

Lerwick Harbour is well known for welcoming visiting Tall Ships, offering excellent town-centre berthing with all amenities just a short walk away. For those seeking a quieter spot, nearby anchorages are also available.

A regular visitor is the stunning Norwegian sailing ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl, which proudly calls Lerwick its “second home port” during trips from Bergen between May and September. Many other traditional vessels of all types also visit throughout the season, creating a lively maritime atmosphere in the heart of town.

Shetland’s own sail training ship, Swan LK243, runs a popular programme of sailing trips — from relaxing evening sails around the coast to longer voyages to Scotland, England, and the Nordic countries.

Lerwick was proud to host The Tall Ships Races for the third time from 26–29 July 2023, welcoming international crews for four days of celebration and Shetland hospitality, following previous successful events in 1999 and 2011.

Visiting Tall Ships can find more information below on the facilities and services offered at Lerwick.

Berthing

Where possible, a Town Centre berth will be allocated if available. Bona fide sailing training vessels enjoy free harbour charges for stays up to 3 days, plus free linesmen to moor and let-go the vessel if required. Berth reservations can be made with prior notice to Port Control.

Pilotage

Pilotage is not compulsory if trainees are crew (unless there are passengers onboard). Where a pilot is requested, a charge of one hour for the Pilot and one hour for the Pilot vessel will apply.

Water and Electricity

Smaller quantities of water and electricity, where available from integral bollards on pontoons, are provided free of charge. Large volume water delivery or non-standard electricity provision will be charged as per our standard published rates.