Shetland - good places to go

[DrBob]

We're planning to try and get up to Shetland for two or three weeks next summer. Any one got any good recommendations for overnight anchoring - the clyde cruising pilot book seems to be showing loads of them. I guess we are looking for a split between isolated, no one around, great scenery ones and then some with some facilities (ie a pub). Looks like we are spoilt for choice.

Our boat is a 40ft with 2M draft.

Anyone with first hand experience?

Dr Bob

 

[peterb]

If it's anything like it was 13 years ago, I can strongly recommend Scalloway Boating Club. Easily the most friendly club I've ever been to; first round of drinks was on the club, free pontoon mooring, and they lent us a car for a day to pick up a new crew from Sumburgh and Lerwick!

 

[DrBob]

Peter,

thanks for the info. I think we will do both Scalloway and Lerwick as our marina (fuel and provision) stops.

I spent quite a few weeks up at Sullom Voe in the mid eighties (quite a few nights in the Brae hotel) and it was a great place - apart from the weather - so keen to try it again.

Dr Bob

 

[Fin]

Check out and contact the guys/girls at Lossie Cruising Club on the Moray Firth, quite a few of them go up to the Orkneys / Shetlands as a cruise in comapny every summer and know the area really well. The website Lossie Cruising Club has contact details through E-mail and if you want any more info PM me.

Have Fun,

Fin

 

[DavidMcMullan]

We almost made it to Shetlands this summer, but prolonged strong northerlys set in. Whilst in Orkney we were handed a copy of a very informative booklet, titled Shetland Marinas 2006, published by VisitShetland.
Their website is www.visitshetland.com or tel: 08701999440.

 

[DrBob]

Thanks guys. I will follow up the leads.

Have a good one

Dr Bob

 

[Gazza]

I spent the past summer from Plymouth up to Orkneys and Shetlands. Found it interesting, if a little bleak, but the weather wasn't good at all. People friendly, but facilities limited - I was on Yell for the best part of a week due to weather, and found it difficult to get to pubs, etc..
I've got charts and pilots if you're interested.......

 

[srm]

Great place, lots of sheltered anchorages, but you need time to see the islands as weather can be changable (as noted above). I was based there for 14 years but think there may still be one or two anchorages I have not been in.

I used the largest scale admiralty charts to find anchorages as the CCC pilot had not been published when I arived.

Do call in to Orkney on your way there and or back, its a very different cruising ground and well worth a visit. Fair Isle , North Haven, is a good stopping off point on the passage there or back. Also if going from the east coast there are a number of passage anchorages or piers on the east side of Orkney.

Tidal stream atlas essential for both island groups. Without it you could find yourself motoring for two or three hours in the same spot.

Am happy to answer specific questions, but only look at the forums from time to time during the winter.

Have fun