Marine / Young sail trainee scoops Swan award
STELLA Manson has been named the Swan sail trainee of the year for 2025.
Manson, from Sullom, received the Vevoe Trophy after impressing with her positive attitude and dedication to teamwork.
The award was established in 2011 and is awarded every year to a trainee, or young volunteer aged 15-25, who shows an outstanding dedication to sail training during the season.
The 2025 winner was selected because of her willingness to muck in and volunteer for any job, even when “nobody else wanted to”, Swan Trust said.
Manson was said to be often found quietly lending a hand in the background without needing to be asked, and her positive energy spread throughout the group even in tougher moments.
The Swan Trust said Manson was “always first to take the helm when needed, and looking after watch mates when they were feeling seasick.”
The trust’s chairwoman Mary Irvine congratulated Manson, and said they hoped she continued her interest in traditional sailing.
“We are always delighted and heartened to see young people taking an active interest in sailing and Shetland’s maritime heritage, and Stella’s attitude and commitment is commendable and thoroughly deserving of this trophy,” she added.
The Vevoe Trophy was commissioned following a donation by the late Willie Simpson, who was crew member aboard Swan from 1954-56 and during the return of the boat to Lerwick in1991.
Willie o‘Vevoe, as he was known, was part of the Simpson family who skippered and crewed Swan between 1905 and 1956.
The family are still involved with Swan today as John Willum, son of Willie, is a trustee – and he presented the trophy to Manson.
The trophy is a replica of the original ship’s wheel made by the late Lowrie Robertson ofUnst, with assistance from Maurice Manson and Ian Smith of Lerwick, and Peter Moaut of Unst.
A cold bronze casting of the Swan under sail made by Terry Atkinson of Tingwall is presented to the trainee to keep.
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