2026-3 | ISBJORN | Shetland Race
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.
SAILING STAFF
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The Passage
Rough itinerary
All 59º North passages are very much subject to weather. We pick our routes based on the "correct" time of year to be sailing in the different regions we visit, and we always build-in enough time to give us some margin for weather windows. The skipper has final say on departure dates and weather windows, but generally speaking, the intinerary for this passage will look like this:
June 14, 2026
Crew arrive to ISBJØRN at 13.00 in Bergen, Norway. ISBJØRN orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard ISBJØRN.
Prep Days
Between the joining and departure dates, all pre-passage preparation, provisioning, and safety briefings will be completed. The specific pre-departure schedule will be outlined and posted onboard ISBJØRN by the skipper.
June 17, 2026
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
June 24, 2026
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart ISBJØRN from Bergen, Norway.
Race Start Leg 1: June 17 / Leg 2: June 20
ISBJØRN will likely be at her summer berth 30 min north of Bergen, or in downtown when you arrive on the 14th. We'll let you know closer to the trip. You can easily get to ISBJØRN via taxi or public transport from downtown Bergen if she would be outside of town (does not need to be pre-booked). When you arrive, we might set sail already that afternoon and go to a nearby village, or spend the first night at the dock. Flexibility is the key, as you can hear! We’ll be in touch with more details when the trip gets closer.
We have a few days to get to know ISBJORN as a crew, and then start Leg 1 to Shetland on June 17, 2026. The start of the race will be in outer Korsfjorden south of Bergen by the Marsteinen lighthouse. The finish line is in Lerwick Harbour, Shetland. The race is a 187 nm passage race.
Price giving in Lerwick is on the 19th of June, and the return race starts on June 20 in Lerwick Harbour, and return to Marsteinen. Read the latest updates and the full notice of race on shetlandrace.no
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Bergen
Weather conditions
A round-trip from Bergen in mid-June should feel cool and a touch unsettled, with shifting breezes and the odd squally patch—nothing wild, just classic Norwegian coastal sailing where you'll want your layers handy and your sea legs ready.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
The best boats
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knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"My time on FALKEN crossing the Atlantic was highly rewarding and incredibly enjoyable. The trip was routinely challenging and always a lot of fun, allowing me to stretch myself and enjoy being absent from the rest of the world for a time. Unforgettable."
"I had an unbelievable sailing experience aboard ISBJØRN with Naxo as skipper and David as apprentice. They took special care to accommodate everyone's wants and needs, and we sailed every point of sail, practiced MOB drills, docking, navigating, trip planning, and weather forecasting. The food was hot, plentiful, and varied, even during our cold offshore passage. I plan on doing this trip again and recommend that you do too. Thanks to 59º North, Naxo, and David."
"I highly recommend the experience of doing a passage on ISBJØRN. I gained valuable offshore experience on a fine boat, learned how Andy and Mia competently manage their boat, learned about celestial navigation, and had a great time doing it. Completing ISBJØRN's first back-to-back 200 mile day passage was a smokin' fast bonus!"
"I can’t say enough good things about the camp, August, and ISBJØRN. The format is perfect for someone like me—I’ve done some sailing, but not enough to feel comfortable on a passage. August is an amazing teacher and so patient! I learned an incredible amount and feel ready to take on a passage with 59º North."
"Sailing from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas with 59º North Sailing was an outstanding experience that I would recommend to anyone seeking offshore sailing combined with exceptional instruction and seamanship. The lead crew, Andy, Mary, and Ryan, created a professional and welcoming environment focused on safety, preparation, and teamwork. I came away with much more confidence in offshore sailing and a deeper understanding of ocean passagemaking. 59º North delivers an authentic offshore experience, expert leadership, and an adventure that builds both skills and confidence."
"Adventure, education, majesty... I can't imagine a better pair to introduce people to the sublime enterprise of offshore sailing. This trip will always live amongst my cherished memories. Thank you!"
"Gathering with 10 other like-minded women aboard FALKEN was amazing! I learned more than I ever expected from Nikki and Emma. Being 'allowed' to mess up and actually learn from your mistakes without anyone getting stressed was freeing! I'd recommend this trip to any women with a desire to sail."
THE BOAT
S&S Swan 48
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ISBJØRN
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ISBJØRN is the "OG" 59º North boat, the classic S&S Swan 48 that we started the business with back in 2015. She's considered an all-time great ocean cruising boat - built like a tank in Finland to the highest standards and with a modern but conservative hull shape making for fast & comfortable passages offshore in any weather. ISBJØRN sails with 5 crew plus a Skipper, and each person has their own dedicated sea berth & storage locker.
packing lists & notes
Packing Notes
Start here when planning your packing for sailing with 59º North. This list includes the general basics for all of our passages. The passage-specific packing lists offer more details.
Cold | Warm Packing List
This will be a "transitional" passage, either starting in warmer climes and increasing in latitude until it's significantly cooler, or vice versa. Another one of those trips where you'll need to pack one of everything for changing conditions. See the packing list for specifics.