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23 January 2017


For the seventh year in a row, Sailonline is happy to be buddying with Promote Shetland for the running of the 2017 virtual race to Lerwick in celebration of the annual Up Helly Aa fire festival:

Shetland is a group of about 100 islands off the NE coast of the British mainland, as close to Norway as they are to Aberdeen in Scotland. The islands have been inhabited for about 5000 years and have to this day retained many of the traditions and customs of those who lived there over the centuries. Little is known about the original Pictish people as they appear to have been displaced when the Vikings arrived in the 700s. Over many years there was a strong Viking and Scandinavian influence until the islands were given to Scotland in the 15th century as part of a royal dowry.

The fire festivals are, however, a recent 19th century invention, serving a dual purpose of raising spirits in the long dark winter and reminding folk of historic Viking influences. These days Up Helly Aa in Lerwick has become a fairly riotous and colourful fire festival involving almost the entire community, when the streets fill with "guizers" - groups of people in themed disguise - and the Jarl Squad (the Vikings)!!

Up Helly Aa Beginners Guide
Shetland Webcams

Sailonline’s Race:
Sailonline will be racing Elan 410s from Aberdeen to Lerwick, starting on Sunday, 29 January @ 1000utc. Our route takes us past Inverness and a mark in the Moray Firth, around several of the islands of Shetland and on to the finish in Lerwick Harbour. The timing this year is intended to encourage an even bigger virtual participation than before in the festival of Up Helly Aa on the evening of 31 January. The race will open for practice on Monday, 23 January at 1200utc.

Stop Press: SOLer RainbowChaser will be sending each podium place taker four Up Helly Aa chocolates, handmade in Shetland by chocolatier MirrieDancers – three firey chocolates and one Viking helmet praline!


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