Lerwick

Lerwick is the capital of Shetland and as the main centre for visiting yachts it is often the first port of call. Lerwick Port Control keeps a 24 hour watch on VHF Ch 12 and visiting craft should contact the duty Port Controller on that channel before entering the harbour.

The principal berth for visiting yachts is the 70 metre floating pontoon situated in the heart of town at the Small Boat Harbour.  The pontoon offers good shelter and can accommodate up to 7 yachts alongside, and many more when rafted up, at all states of tide.

There is an additional pontoon situated in Albert Dock which visiting yachts are welcome to use when not in use by tenders from cruise ships. Dates of use by tenders are displayed on the pontoon and at Lerwick Port Authority′s Office in Albert Building. Both pontoons are available from May to September. A visiting yachts welcome pack detailing the acilities and services at the Port is available on request and can be downloaded via their website at: http://www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/pdfs/yachtpack.pdf

This bustling town has all you need when making a Shetland landfall - a Tourist Information Centre, Customs, a Coastguard station, helpful staff at Lerwick Port Authority, ship chandlers, supermarkets, licensed grocers specialising in marine supplies. If you have a problem, there′s a shipyard, skilled repair engineers and a lifeboat station.

Just a step along from Victoria Pier is Lerwick Boating Club, where visiting crews are always welcome to take a hot shower, use the laundry and enjoy a drink at the bar with its fine view of the harbour. The key for the club′s showers, toilets and laundry is usually available by arrangement from the Lerwick Port Authority Office at Albert Building on the Esplanade.

The club runs a busy summer programme of sailing races for dinghies and the famous ′Shetland Model′ skiffs. Visitors are welcome as spectators or participants.

Enjoy Lerwick′s great selection of high quality restaurants, cafes and bars all within easy walking distance of the harbour area. Also located nearby is the excellent Clickimin leisure complex. If you wish to find out more about Shetland′s rich heritage & culture then take a stroll along the regenerated historic waterfront and visit the fantastic new five star rated Shetland Museum and Archives.

Lerwick Marina is situated at Gremista, at the north end of Lerwick Harbour, about 2km from Lerwick town centre. It is run by the Marina Users Association, with whom an arrangement can be made to use a vacant berth for longer, temporary stays. Each pontoon is accessed by a security gate and water and electricity supplies are available.

There is a slipway and a hoist for craft up to 12 tonnes and alternatively yachts of up to 1.8m draft can dry out alongside. Car and trailer parking is available just outside the marina. Winter storage ashore can be arranged with Lerwick Port Authority.

Lerwick will welcome the fleet of The Tall Ships Races in July 2011.  Please visit www.tallshipsraceslerwick.com for more information.