Yachts competing in the annual Bergen-Shetland Race will set off from Norway tomorrow.
The 28 competitors are expected to arrive at Lerwick Harbour on Thursday.
The first across the line will receive a trophy, sponsored by Lerwick Port Authority, at a prize-giving on Friday.
On Sunday, the Norwegian yachts start the return leg to Bergen at 11am on Sunday June 28.
The two-leg race covers a total of 388-nautical miles (446miles) and is one of the most challenging contests on the North Sea.
The event was first held in 1986 and competitors can be followed online as they progress across the sea.
Organised by Hordaland Sailing Association and Lerwick Boating Club, the competition is for full-crewed yachts with a minimum crew of four or a double-handed class which is for yachts with two people on board.
Sandra Laurenson, port authority chief executive, said “We will be delighted to again welcome competitors in the race which has become a popular fixture in the Shetland calendar and brings so much colour to the harbour. It also highlights the port as an international destination for yacht crews, with access to the islands’ many attractions.”
Annual and periodic events, along with leisure sailing, bring more than 450 yachts annually to Lerwick which also has a popular local yachting scene.
The sheltered, deep-water harbour will be the location for Lerwick Regatta, from August 7-9, and the Inter-Club Sailing Regatta from August 12-15.