Tall Ships

Lerwick Port Authority has town-centre facilities for summer visitors arriving by sea and has long experience of Tall Ships requirements. Lerwick Boating Club is a friendly and helpful stop and their showers and laundry facilities have been well received by many visiting crews. All amenities are close to hand in the town-centre but for those wishing a quieter experience, there are anchorages available within a short distance.

Lerwick has twice had the honour of hosting the fleet of The Tall Ships Races in 1999 and 2011. Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Tall Ships Ltd have submitted a bid to host The Tall Ships Races again in 2023.

The magnificent Norwegian sailing ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, is proud to call Lerwick its 'second home port' making regular visits between May to September from Bergen. Throughout the season, traditional vessels of all sizes and types arrive to provide an interesting focal point in the Town Centre.

Shetland’s own sail training vessel Swan LK243 has a popular sailing programme with trips from a short evening sail in coastal waters to longer ocean crossings to Scotland, England and the Nordic regions.

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.