Tall Ships on their way to Shetland as cruise in company leg leaves Fredrikstad

THE COUNTDOWN is now on to welcome the Tall Ships to the isles next week as they leave Norway this evening (Tuesday).

After four days of events in Fredrikstad, the ships are departing for the cruise in company leg of the races.

More than 70 local youngsters will take part in the journey with help from Sail Training Shetland.

This leg is not a competitive one, giving the ships the opportunity to take their time and visit guest ports on their way to Lerwick.

There are various guest ports in Norway, as well as Stromness in Orkney and Aberdeen.

Ships can also choose to visit Cullivoe and Baltasound in the North Isles before coming to host port Lerwick.

All ships should be in town by the morning of Wednesday 26 July, and some may arrive earlier.

A packed schedule of events will follow and they will all leave again on Saturday 29 July for the final competitive race to Arendal.

Shetland News