Passage Stats
4 Available
Price: $6,100
Note: 5% discount on all passages paid by wire transfer.
Distance: 400 Nautical Miles
Total Days: 11
Start Port: Bergen, Norway
End Port: Bergen, Norway
SYNOPSIS
Join us in Bergen, Norway to embark on ISBJØRN for the Shetland Race and set sail across the North Sea. This is an offshore yacht race between Bergen in the Vestland region of western Norway and Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. The origin of the event celebrates the heroic, maritime traffic between Bergen and Shetland during WWII, when local sailors and fishermen smuggled agents and weapons across the North Sea to conduct secret, Allied operations inside of Nazi-occupied Norway. The race is sailed in two legs: Bergen to Lerwick for the first leg, then the return for the second leg with a few days in between for partying and exploring the Shetland Islands.
Typical Weather Pattern
The weather on the Norwegian coast and the North Sea can be unpredictable, even in the summer. Full foul weather gear and thermal long underwear are definitely recommended with possibility of rain, squalls and cool temperatures, but also warm sunshine at any time. All points of sail are possible on this voyage with winds most commonly out of the north for the race—making it most likely a reach across the North Sea.
HOW TO JOIN
To register, click the 'Sign Up' button anywhere on the site. Complete and submit the form indicating ‘2026 ISBJØRN | Shetland Race’ as your preferred passage.
We’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours to confirm bunk availability, send you the long-form crew application & invoice you the 50% deposit to hold your spot. Balance will be due 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Payments are non-refundable. You'll be asked to agree to our terms & conditions on your application before submitting the deposit. Please read them carefully.
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Join the boat at 13:00 on the passage start date. Crew must depart the boat by 12:00 Noon on the passage end date.
Make sure you eat lunch before joining! We’ll get straight into bunk assignments & briefings once all crew have arrived.
Travel logistics & specific itinerary will be sent in the Passage Newsletter #2 emailed to all crew 2-4 months before passage departure.
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All 59º North passages are led by qualified RYA / MCA Yachtmaster Ocean-certified skippers & mates. All miles sailed onboard both boats will count towards your own license mileage requirements. We are happy to provide certificates to this effect for your RYA Day Skipper, Yachtmaster or other countries’ sea-time requirements.
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We now reserve two spots for women on all of our passages! You will not be ‘alone’ when you sail with 59º North. Learn more here.