21 June, 2007

THE FIRST competitors in the annual VisitShetland/Bergen Race are expected in the isles this morning (Thursday), after 45 yachts set off from Bergen at 1pm Norwegian time yesterday (Wednesday).

Race watchers are standing by at Lerwick Boating Club to record the finishing time.

Amongst the racers are 13 yachts that are part of the separate '1000 Mile Race' that set off from Ijimuden, in Holland, with the female Dutch crew of the Xinia currently leading the field.

The remaining 32 boats in the Shetland/Bergen race are all Norwegian. Both races will leave Lerwick on Sunday morning to head back to Bergen.

The prize giving for the Bergen to Shetland leg of the race will be held in the Flavour of Shetland food festival tent tomorrow (Friday) evening.