Trinovante Orkney Fair Isle Shetland TR270624

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Thu 27-06-2024, 18:00Kirkwall, Orkney	Thu 04-07-2024, 10:00Lerwick, Shetland	Trinovante	7 Nights	TR270624

Voyage Description

Orkney, Fair Isle and Shetland.

An epic voyage in just 7 nights. This trip will consist mostly of coastal day sailing, but the passage to Fair Isle is an open-water passage and there’s the possibility of some night time sailing.

If you join for the voyage from Orkney to Shetland, expect to get cracking and spend more time at the Shetland end. If you join for the trip from Shetland to Orkney the reverse will be true, and you’ll likely spend more time exploring Orkney (although it is, of course, all down to the weather!).

KIRKWALL

Established by the Vikings in the 11th Century Kirkwall was first mentioned in the Orkneyinga Viking Saga (also called the History of the Earls of Orkney). We have a copy on board for those who fancy a topical read.

The dominant feature of the town is the cathedral founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of St Magnus who was martyred in Orkney. Otherwise, you can enjoy a wander in the busy shopping centre on the stone slabbed streets, visit the Orkney museum, The Bishops and Earls Palace, and of course, there is a distillery!

It is well worth having a few days extra in Kirkwall if you have time. There are lots of day trips worth doing from Kirkwall including several stone circles and two sites run by Historic Scotland: Scara Brae and Maeshowe.

FAIR ISLE

Fair Isle is Scotland’s most remote inhabited island. It is only 3sq miles and the population was down to 48 at the beginning of 2021.

The island is known for its distinctive Fair Isle knitting style and birdlife. You could take a wander up to the North Lighthouse where you can see puffins and other seabirds. Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Shags, Gannets and Fulmar make up the bulk of cliff-breeding birds on Fair Isle.

The aim will be to spend two nights here, allowing for a full day of exploration of the island.

Adam was lucky enough to visit the Fair Isles on Trinovante in June 2023. the weather was hot on hot and I had the most amazing time walking around the Isle and meeting the residents.

I have written an article which includes details like the story of David, his Fair Isle jumper and the photo of the ship wreck shown behind hem.

The Fair Isles

LERWICK

Lerwick is the main town in Shetland with a population of 7000. A walk along the coast south from Lerwick to Clickimin Broch is worth doing. If you can afford more time in Lerwick a day trip to Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is well worth it, although is an hour and a half on the bus or you need to hire a car.

Start & End Port

Kirkwall, Orkney

Kirkwall

Welcome to Kirkwall, the captivating capital of the Orkney Islands! Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes, Kirkwall is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience. Here’s your essential guide to Kirkwall and how to get there from various regions.

How to Get There

From Scotland:

– By Air: Flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen will bring you to Kirkwall Airport, a convenient one-hour journey from the town center.
– By Ferry: NorthLink Ferries offers services from Scrabster to Stromness, with a short transfer to Kirkwall. There are also ferry options from Aberdeen to Kirkwall.

From Southern England:

– By Air: Flights from London Heathrow or London Gatwick with layovers in Scottish cities are available. Travel times vary depending on layover duration.
– By Ferry and Train: Take a train from Southern England to Aberdeen, then board a NorthLink Ferry to Kirkwall, offering a comfortable overnight journey.

What to Do in Kirkwall

History:

Explore St. Magnus Cathedral, the Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces, and the Orkney Museum to delve into Kirkwall’s history.

Culture:

Experience local traditions and arts through festivals like the St. Magnus International Festival and the Orkney Folk Festival.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor:

Discover coastal views, harbors, lighthouses, and headlands that will appeal to sailors.

Entertainment:

Kirkwall offers a small amount of nightlife with live music and entertainment options.

Eating Out:

Savor fresh seafood, Orcadian cheese, and traditional dishes.

Nature:

Explore coastal cliffs, beaches, and enjoy outdoor activities.

Unique Features:

Kirkwall’s distinctive charm lies in its warm and welcoming community.

Accommodation:

Consider staying at The Ayre Hotel, The Kirkwall Hotel, or The Albert Hotel.

Orkney Tourism

For detailed information about Kirkwall and its attractions, visit the official Orkney Tourism website (https://www.visitorkney.com/).

Kirkwall, with its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, awaits your exploration. Create memories as enduring as the ancient stones that grace this captivating destination. Anchors aweigh!

Special Interests
If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.

Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes

By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.

UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.

Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.

Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.

Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.

If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.

Adam Purser

Lerwick, Shetland

Lerwick

How to Get There

When it comes to reaching Lerwick, Scotland, your voyage may have already acquainted you with the joys of traditional sailing. However, for those exploring by land or air, here are your options:

*From the UK:*
Lerwick is well-connected to the UK mainland. You can hop on a train to Aberdeen or Inverness and catch a ferry from there. Alternatively, domestic flights from major UK airports, such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, can whisk you to Shetland’s capital.

*From Europe:*
If you’re venturing from continental Europe, flying is your best bet. Direct flights are available from several European cities to Sumburgh Airport, which is just a scenic drive away from Lerwick. Ferries from the Scottish mainland are also an option.

*From North America:*
For our friends across the Atlantic, consider taking an international flight to one of the major UK airports mentioned earlier. From there, you can follow the UK travel route as detailed above.

*From Australia:*
Australia is a bit further afield, but the journey is worth it. You’ll likely need to take a series of long-haul flights to reach the UK first. Once on British soil, follow the same instructions for travelers from the UK.

**What to Do in Lerwick**

Lerwick, with its rich maritime history, has much to offer.

*History:*
Lerwick is steeped in history. Don’t miss Fort Charlotte, an imposing fortress with captivating tales to tell. For maritime enthusiasts, the Shetland Museum and Archives will be your treasure trove of nautical history.

*Culture:*
Immerse yourself in Shetland’s vibrant culture. The Shetland Folk Festival is a must-attend event, celebrating traditional music and dance. Explore the local arts scene at Bonhoga Gallery and indulge in the captivating Shetland dialect.

*Sites of Interest to a Sailor:*
For those with saltwater in their veins, Lerwick’s coastline offers breathtaking views. Visit the Lerwick Harbour, marvel at Bressay Lighthouse, and explore the rugged beauty of Shetland’s coast.

*Entertainment:*
When the sun dips below the horizon, Lerwick’s nightlife comes alive. Enjoy live music, sample local brews, and maybe even join in some traditional Shetland dancing.

*Eating Out:*
Lerwick’s dining scene is a treat for the taste buds. Savor fresh seafood at the Fjara Café Bar, or opt for traditional fare at The String.

*Nature:*
Lerwick is surrounded by natural beauty. Take a hike along the scenic cliffs, or venture to nearby islands for birdwatching and coastal walks.

*Unique Features:*
Lerwick’s charm lies in its unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet modern life, creating an experience unlike any other. It is well worth a visit to Clickimin Broch as shown above.

For a comfortable stay, consider these well-known options:
– The Lerwick Hotel: A central location with great amenities.
– Kveldsro House Hotel: A charming and welcoming choice.

Tourist Website

And for all the official tourist information you’ll need, head over to the Shetland.org website (https://www.shetland.org/). It’s your key to unlocking the secrets of this captivating port town.

Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes

By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.

Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.

North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.

Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.

Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.

Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.

If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.

Kit List

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Trinovante

Equipment Trinovante Provides

Foul Weather Waterproofs

Life Jackets

Very warm insulated water-proof flotation suits suitable for colder conditions. These will keep you toasty warm on Offshore Night Watches and sailing in Norway

WHAT YOU NEED TO PACK FOR A SAILING HOLIDAY

Sleeping bag
Clean pillow case. We provide a pillow.
Pair of wellies. Any wellies will do. We might be able to lend you a pair – email us with your size. If you are buying some yacht wellies tend to be a bit lighter
Passport This is needed if your sailing holiday starts and/or finishes in a non UK port and we will be in more than one country during the voyage.
No passport, no sailing holiday.
Non slip footwear – any non slip footwear will do, we are not a yacht so there is no need to buy expensive deck shoes.
Warm hat and clothing. Layers work best. Thick fleece, thin fleece, shirt, tshirt is a good layer set up. Thermal underwear is a great idea and doesn’t take up much room in your bag.
Gloves. Most people don’t bother with gloves, but if you do want to wear some, leather sailing gloves with no fingers may be best. It can be difficult to handle ropes in full gloves.
Towel and toiletries. Most people bring travel towels.
Strap to hold your sunglasses/glasses on with. Essential if you wear glasses.
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and loose clothing to cover up from the sun. Trinovante sails in Northern Europe so you are not going to roast but sometimes it can get surprisingly hot even in Norway.
Any medication that you need.
If you think you may need sea sickness medication Stugeron seems to be the one most people take. The active ingredient is Cinnarzine. We do have Stugeron onboard.
Travel insurance for sailing. For some of our holidays this means ‘offshore insurance’.
We do not require that you have travel insurance for our sailing weekends in the UK.
SchoonerSail’s Buying Travel Insurance For Sailing Holidays has more information about travel insurance.
One specialist sailing holiday insurer is Topsail Insurance. There are lots of other insurers and you do not have to use Topsail Insurance when you sail with us. They may or may not be the most suitable for you.
No valid travel insurance when you arrive onboard, no sailing holiday.

Pack everything for your sailing holiday in a squashable bag, not a large suitcase. Remember space onboard is limited.

Review

Su and John (Mate and skipper) are an absolutely brilliant team. Their story of building Trinovante and her history is fascinating, enterprising and courageous. They were creative in turning a mainly windless week into an Attenborough like superb encounter with Orkney wildlife and history. When the wind arrived, they used humour and patience to turn us into a crew that almost knew what we were doing. It was a brilliant way to experience Britain's wilder places.

Richard

Great trip with fun guest crew and enthusiastic and understanding permanent crew.

Ian

Fantastic scenery Shetland and Orkney Fair Isle Westray good weather and fair winds. Instructions very clear safety in mind at all times. Food cooked by Sue was wonderful we had crab and fresh fish as a treat. Crew were also very friendly and helpful. Would love another voyage !

Lesley

I have spent most of my sailing time in modern yachts of various sizes but having the helm of a 3 masted schooner under full sail is an experience like no other.

Keith

Thanks for a truly memorable weekend! The sailing experience and tuition were first class: I enjoyed the companionship very much: all that under the leadership of two people talented and thoroughly pleasant in equal measure. It was a privilege. Thank you again. And the megastar was Trinovante – what a ship!

Mike

“Food, laughter and space were all in generous supply,
as were the opportunities to learn as much or as little as you chose.
Thanks Su and John the tapestry of life is richer for having sailed with you.”

Adam

We have loved it all from being at the helm, hoisting sail, fixing fenders and weighing the anchor.

Julie

Just a note of thanks for the fabulous time I had aboard Trinovante across the North Sea. I think it mended something in me I hadn’t realised was broken. Of course the reason it’s so good is the way you make us incompetent crew able to share a part of your life.

John

The scenery was stunning. We moored or anchored in a series of small harbours and bays keeping our eyes open for wildlife. Sharing a beer on deck as the sun slowly sank over the silent scene will be an enduring memory.

Stuart & Sara

What a great time I had with you and my fellow crew members last weekend.
I really enjoyed being part of a small and friendly group and being hands-on with the sailing manoeuvres.

Charlie

Thanks for a fantastic week..
It is the skill of a successful host to take a gang of disparate (desperate?) folk and turn them into a group of friends – Well done!
We are thoroughly bitten by the bug and would like to have another go next year

Chris & Alastair