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16 January 2015


We are delighted to once again be partnered with Promote Shetland for the running of Sailonline’s race to Up Helly Aa:

Shetland is a group of about 100 islands off the NE coast of the British mainland, as close to Norway as they are to Aberdeen in Scotland. The islands have been inhabited for about 5000 years and have to this day retained many of the traditions and customs of those who lived there. Little is known about the original Pictish people as they appear to have been displaced when the Vikings arrived in the 700s. Over many years the Viking and Scandinavian influence was strengthened and it was only in the 15th century that rule over the islands was handed to Scotland by the King of Norway as part of his daughter's dowry.

The modern fire festivals are intended to recapture a little of that Viking influence but are actually a relatively new tradition, first being celebrated in Lerwick in the 19th century. These days Up Helly Aa is a fairly riotous and colourful fire festival and the streets of Lerwick fill with "guizers" - groups of people in themed disguise - and the Jarl Squad (the Vikings)!!

Up Helly Aa Beginners Guide
Shetland Webcams


Sailonline’s Race:
Sailonline will be racing Elan 410s from Aberdeen to Lerwick, starting on Sunday, 25 January @ 1000utc, via the Moray Firth and then past and around several of the islands of Shetland with the intention of arriving in Lerwick for 27 January where a warm and fire-y Shetland welcome awaits! The race will open for practice on Sunday, 18 January.

Click for information about sailing in and around the Shetland Isles

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