From Ålesund in Norway, we sail approximately 400 nautical miles to the Scottish Shetland and Orkney Islands. The journey begins with a multi-day crossing of the North Atlantic, requiring precise navigation and excellent seamanship. Afterwards, a unique archipelago awaits us, with its rugged natural beauty and strong tidal currents.

The weather determines when we depart from Norway for the Shetland Islands. Low-pressure systems regularly pass through the open sea between Norway and Scotland, bringing strong winds and high seas. We therefore wait for a suitable weather window, evaluate the forecasts together on board, and handle strong wind scenarios responsibly. Around Orkney, the tides then dictate our schedule. In the Pentland Firth between the Orkney Islands and the Scottish mainland, the tidal current sometimes reaches over 10 knots. Here, we largely plan our legs of the journey according to the tides.

We sail the crossing non-stop with the entire crew on a watch system, day and night. You'll be at the helm, trimming the sails and navigating. On this leg, the SY Imagine demonstrates its capabilities: fast and seaworthy even in rough conditions. After the crossing, landing in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, is a special moment.

From Lerwick, weather permitting, we'll sail to Fair Isle, one of Europe's most remote islands. Its pristine nature and rich birdlife make this excursion a memorable experience for sailors and nature lovers alike. Afterwards, we'll head for Orkney, stopping in anchorages or harbors like Stromness before mooring in Kirkwall. The Orkney Islands also boast world-renowned whisky distilleries close to the harbors, which we'll visit if time allows. Depending on the wind, we'll also sail longer stretches between the islands, thus finding a balance between time at sea and shore excursions.