Orkney & Shetland
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THE ORCADIAN ARCHIPELAGO of around 70 islands provides some of the finest sailing grounds in northern Europe. An ancient maritime crossroads since the time of the Vikings, the last stop for the Hudson Bay Company ships and a fleet anchorage in both world wars, the islands have almost 6,000 years of heritage to share with the visitor. Their Neolithic heartland was granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO in 1999, and includes the magnificent Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stromness and the well preserved stone village of Skara Brae.
Until recently the islands were viewed primarily as a stopping off point for sailors en route from Scandinavia to Scotland. However, recent investment in the island infrastructure means that sailors now have the choice of three marinas to visit at Kirkwall (94 berths), Stromness (64 berths) and a small marina and pontoon facility at Westray. Full details can be found at www.orkneymarinas.co.uk who operate all three facilities. Numerous islands have alongside jetty berthing available and there are also visitor moorings available at locations throughout the islands, allowing the visitor to explore the hidden nooks and crannies, many of which are only accessible by boat. The smaller islands are a haven for wildlife, and all have interesting flora and fauna. Sanday is renowned for its otters and passing pods of whales; Westray for its puffins and other breeding seabirds; Papay has a colony of Storm Petrel; North Ronaldsay has breeding terns, ducks, gulls and waders and often reports interesting seasonal migrants.
The net result is that Orkney is now viewed as a destination in its own right by cruising yachtsmen, be they on a circumnavigation of Scotland or Britain, or charterers taking a boat from the charter company based in Kirkwall (www.sailorkney.co.uk). Whichever option you choose make sure you allow sufficient time to do justice to all that this unique archipelago has to offer.
SHETLAND has much in common with Orkney, including a similar heritage and Viking influence, and a diverse population of seabirds and other wildlife which outnumber the human population by at least a hundredfold! The islands have three National Nature Reserves and four RSPB reserves, together with a variety of native and rare breeds unique to Shetland. Thus far Shetland is something of an undiscovered cruising destination, but with yachtsmen increasingly seeking interesting sailing challenges it is finding popularity with sailors from north west Europe who do not particularly wish to cross oceans.
The archipelago has over 100 small islands and 900 miles of coastline, and offers a striking combination of dramatic cliffs and sheltered harbours. Nowhere on the land is more than three miles from the coast, and five millennia of history can be enjoyed at over 6,000 archaeological sites. Tidal ranges are small, typically less than 1.5 metres, although streams can be locally strong, and good pilotage is essential.
Like their southern neighbour the island group has also seen a significant increase in facilities for the recreational sailor in recent years. As a result Sheltland is now able to boast four marinas at Lerwick, Bressay, Scalloway and Skeld, with a further 17 small marina or pontoon facilities scattered amongst the archipelago. The capital of Lerwick makes a sensible first port of call for visiting boats - the busy town has everything you might need including plenty of pubs and shops, plus a shipyard for emergency repairs. The small boat harbour has plenty of pontoon berths with shore power and water available for visiting yachts.
There is an excellent guide to all the marina facilities published by Shetland Marinas, downloadable at www.shetlandmarinas.co.uk. Some of the marinas are too shallow to be used by visiting yachts, but are useful for landing by dinghy.
Yachting has an important place in the Shetland calendar, with 17 local regattas held every year as well as the Round Foula Race, the Lerwick to Skerries Race and the International Bergen to Shetland Races (www.shetland-race.no). Shetland’s historic links with the sea have shaped a very special marine culture, and you can be sure that local folk will extend a warm and practical welcome to every visiting seafarer.
Until recently the islands were viewed primarily as a stopping off point for sailors en route from Scandinavia to Scotland. However, recent investment in the island infrastructure means that sailors now have the choice of three marinas to visit at Kirkwall (94 berths), Stromness (64 berths) and a small marina and pontoon facility at Westray. Full details can be found at www.orkneymarinas.co.uk who operate all three facilities. Numerous islands have alongside jetty berthing available and there are also visitor moorings available at locations throughout the islands, allowing the visitor to explore the hidden nooks and crannies, many of which are only accessible by boat. The smaller islands are a haven for wildlife, and all have interesting flora and fauna. Sanday is renowned for its otters and passing pods of whales; Westray for its puffins and other breeding seabirds; Papay has a colony of Storm Petrel; North Ronaldsay has breeding terns, ducks, gulls and waders and often reports interesting seasonal migrants.
The net result is that Orkney is now viewed as a destination in its own right by cruising yachtsmen, be they on a circumnavigation of Scotland or Britain, or charterers taking a boat from the charter company based in Kirkwall (www.sailorkney.co.uk). Whichever option you choose make sure you allow sufficient time to do justice to all that this unique archipelago has to offer.
SHETLAND has much in common with Orkney, including a similar heritage and Viking influence, and a diverse population of seabirds and other wildlife which outnumber the human population by at least a hundredfold! The islands have three National Nature Reserves and four RSPB reserves, together with a variety of native and rare breeds unique to Shetland. Thus far Shetland is something of an undiscovered cruising destination, but with yachtsmen increasingly seeking interesting sailing challenges it is finding popularity with sailors from north west Europe who do not particularly wish to cross oceans.
The archipelago has over 100 small islands and 900 miles of coastline, and offers a striking combination of dramatic cliffs and sheltered harbours. Nowhere on the land is more than three miles from the coast, and five millennia of history can be enjoyed at over 6,000 archaeological sites. Tidal ranges are small, typically less than 1.5 metres, although streams can be locally strong, and good pilotage is essential.
Like their southern neighbour the island group has also seen a significant increase in facilities for the recreational sailor in recent years. As a result Sheltland is now able to boast four marinas at Lerwick, Bressay, Scalloway and Skeld, with a further 17 small marina or pontoon facilities scattered amongst the archipelago. The capital of Lerwick makes a sensible first port of call for visiting boats - the busy town has everything you might need including plenty of pubs and shops, plus a shipyard for emergency repairs. The small boat harbour has plenty of pontoon berths with shore power and water available for visiting yachts.
There is an excellent guide to all the marina facilities published by Shetland Marinas, downloadable at www.shetlandmarinas.co.uk. Some of the marinas are too shallow to be used by visiting yachts, but are useful for landing by dinghy.
Yachting has an important place in the Shetland calendar, with 17 local regattas held every year as well as the Round Foula Race, the Lerwick to Skerries Race and the International Bergen to Shetland Races (www.shetland-race.no). Shetland’s historic links with the sea have shaped a very special marine culture, and you can be sure that local folk will extend a warm and practical welcome to every visiting seafarer.
