Whalsay

In Whalsay, Symbister is a handy stopover for cruising yachts and has both a small boat marina and a pier, as well as a nearby anchorage in North Voe, although as the bottom is foul with old moorings the anchor should be buoyed. The pier offers good berthing for around 20 visiting boats.

The area is a busy fishing harbour so yachts should be careful not to interfere with normal harbour traffic - particularly during August when the outer basin is occupied by pelagic trawlers. The approach is clear and well lit, however fairly strong currents both north and south of the enterance should be noted.

The surrounding waters are yet another good place to see porpoises, dolphins, minke whales and orcas. If you are lucky enough you might see why the Vikings called this place 'Hvals-Oy' the island of whales.

LOCAL SERVICES

• Boating Club open most lunch times and evenings, and welcomes visitors.
• The nearest shop and post office is only a 5 minute walk from the pier.
• Taxi service (01806 566511) and Engineering services, Ian Irvine (01806 566627)
• The leisure centre is 15 minutes walk inland.
• Oot Ower Lounge is a family run restaurant and pub, open 11.00am to 1.00am (Evening meal must be booked).
• Britain's most nothernly 18 hole golf course can be found in the northmost corner of Whalsay.
• Regatta week is held in the last week of July, and guarentees a good time will be had by all.
• There is a museum devoted to the German Hanseatic traders who once dominated the Shetland Economy.

 

Depth:	Inner Basin 5m. Outer basin 7m.
Contact:	Bobby Sutherland, 01806 566382
Charge:	£5 per day
Yacht Facilities:	Toilets, showers, fuel, fresh water, waste and waste oil disposal, repairs and chandlery, engineering services, boating club.
Other Facilities:	Telephone, post office, shop, accommodation, leisure centre, swimming pool, restaurant, pub/bar, taxi service.