Q&A NOR 15731 EnderPearl

Boat: EnderPearl - NOR 15731
Boat type: CNB 76
Class: Fully Crewed
Skipper:  Kenneth Bjørklund
Yacht Club: Holmestrand Seilforening

1 Have you participated before?
Yes, two times.

1.1 When / which boat?
Both times my CNB 76 EnderPearl. 2023 & 2025, Line Honour both years & class win 2025. Those times the race fit in with our transit to UK for the Fastnet Race. In 2026 there is no Fastnet Race, but Shetland Race still fits with our planned itinerary as we head straight to Lofoten from Lerwick; will spend the rest of the summer around Lofoten & Helgeland.

1.2 What is your best memory from Shetland Race?
Even after the class win 2025 I would say that the best was crossing the line for the first time in 2023 when we had competition from a VO60 boat that we could see behind until the last 1,5 hours.

2 Why are you participating in Fully Crewed class?
Due to the social aspect, and the good feeling of having a larger team functioning together. One could sail EnderPearl shorthanded, but would then depend on headwind all the way as the gennaker require more crew for safe use.

3 What are your expectations to sail during nighttime, midsummer?
I grew up in Northern Norway, so I am used to both summer nights with full daylight and anything in between full midnight sun and the dark summer nights around equator.
So the night sail part is not unique to me, but some crew might find the short and light night special.

4 How did you get to know about Bergen Shetland Race?
Not sure how, maybe sailing magazines.

5 Planning any activities during the stay?
Nothing planned yet, apart from social days with drinks & meals. Some sightseeing maybe. We have to store up on provisions for the longer leg to Lofoten.

6 Optional: Do you want to challenge anyone to participate in this year’s race?
None in particular, but it would be fun to have other large & heavy boats at the start, or maybe TP52 “F16” (ex Jokerman, Fram XVI).