Invitation to Shetland Race 2026
The organizing committee is pleased to announce that the official Notice of Race for the Shetland Race 2026 is now available. The event, which includes both a competitive race and a rally for cruising boats, will be held on the waters between Bergen, the North Sea, and Lerwick Harbour, Shetland.
The Shetland Race is organized by Vestland Seilkrets (Vestland Sailing Association of Norway) in cooperation with the Lerwick Boating Club of Shetland. The 2026 edition promises an exciting offshore adventure with two legs: Bergen to Lerwick and the return from Lerwick to Bergen, each a 187 nautical mile passage.
Key Dates:
Registration deadline: 1st May 2026 (late entries accepted until 1st June with an extra fee)
Skippers meeting in Bergen: 16th June
Start from Bergen: 17th June
Skippers meeting in Lerwick: 20th June
Start from Lerwick: 20th June
Prize giving in Lerwick: 19th June
Entry & Classes:
The event is open to all boats meeting the required safety categories. There are classes for both fully-crewed and double-handed boats, as well as a cruising division. Boats racing in the ORC classes must have valid ORC certificates and meet the specified handicap range.
Safety & Rules:
The race will be governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), with additional requirements including a life raft compliant with OSR Category 2, active AIS, and offshore survival training for at least one crew member. Boats carrying propane must have a gas detector installed, as required by Lerwick Harbour.
Fees:
Entry fees are NOK 6000 for fully-crewed boats and NOK 5000 for double-handed entries with payment invoiced May 2026.
Early entries:
Boats registered before 31st December 2025 will receive a “Shetland Race Belt” for each crew member.
How to Enter:
Boats can register online at https://sailracesystem.no/regatta?regatta=3995
All registration requirements and fees must be completed to be considered an official entry.
For further details; Download the full Notice of Race , please visit our website or contact the Vestland Sailing Association at post@shetlandrace.no.
We look forward to seeing you on the start line for another unforgettable Shetland Race!
