Text: Caro Käßler
Shetland, with its Scandinavian heritage, is the northernmost outpost of the British Isles. Situated at the boundary between the North Sea and the Atlantic, the archipelago offers a sailing area that is as remote as it is fascinating. However, the season is short and the weather is often wild – further reasons why the number of visiting yachts remains modest, even in summer. Yet it is precisely this solitude that makes the place so captivating, as does the breathtaking natural beauty.
The nautical infrastructure is surprisingly good. As well as the main town of Lerwick on the largest island, Mainland – the first port of call for most visitors arriving under their own steam from Scotland or Norway – the archipelago offers a further dozen harbours that provide safe shelter even in heavy weather. Here you will find all the parts of our charter report on Shetland.
The feature: all three parts
- Shetland – an archipelago for adventurers: Part 1 – Lerwick and the Out Skerries
- Shetland – an archipelago for adventurers: Part 2 – From Bruray northwards to Yell
- Shetland – an archipelago for adventurers: Part 3 – Discovering Mainland Island
Islands and location
The Shetland Islands form an archipelago comprising over 100 islands – only about 16 of which are permanently inhabited. They lie around 170 km north of the Scottish mainland and about 300 km west of Norway, between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The coastline stretches for more than 2,700 km and is heavily indented by fjords (‘voes’) and sounds.
Weather and best time to visit
The best time to visit is from June to August. Temperatures are usually between 10 and 15 °C – even in the height of summer. Low-pressure systems are common and the weather is very changeable. Wind: 15–25 knots, with significantly stronger gusts.
Tides and Currents
Tidal currents characterise the area: in narrow passages such as the Bluemull or the Linga Sound, they can reach speeds of several knots and, when the wind is against the current, can lead to rough, choppy conditions (tidal races). Planning your route well in advance is essential.
Chartering
We were sailing on a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 (built in 2001) with four berths and two bathrooms. German agent: soul-sailing-charter.com
Nautical information
Imray’s ‘Shetland Islands Pilot’ (€26), the ‘Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas Orkney and Shetland Islands’ (€48.50), available from NVCHARTS.COM Tides and weather: tide-forecast.com, weather.metoffice.gov.uk
The feature: all three parts
- Shetland – an archipelago for adventurers: Part 1 – Lerwick and the Out Skerries
- Shetland – an archipelago for adventurers: Part 2 – From Bruray northwards to Yell
- Shetland – an archipelago for adventurers: Part 3 – Discovering Mainland Island
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
