Beenie-Ann bags sail training award from Swan Trust

BEENIE-Ann Wood from Muckle Roe has been awarded the 2026 Vevoe Trophy in recognition of her contribution as a sail trainee on the Swan.

Trustees, crew, volunteers, trainees and other invited guests attended the event at the Scalloway Boating Club on Friday night to mark the end of the 2026 sailing season.

The Vevoe Trophy is presented at this event each year, since being established in 2011. The award is presented to a trainee, or young volunteer aged 15-25, who, in the opinion of the Swan crew, has shown an outstanding dedication to sail training and teamwork during the season.

The trophy was commissioned by the trust following a donation from the late Willie Simpson, who crewed on Swan from 1954-56 and during the return of the boat to Lerwick in 1991.

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, with Willie’s son John Willlum on the board of trustees.

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The trophy is a replica of the original ship’s wheel made by the late Lowrie Robertson of Unst, with assistance from Maurice Manson, Ian Smith, and Peter Moaut. The original trophy is kept on display at UHI Shetland’s Scalloway campus, while a cold bronze casting of the Swan under sail made by Terry Atkinson of Tingwall is presented to the trainee to keep.

Aubrey Jamieson, area officer for the Fishermen’s Mission made the presentation to Beenie-Ann, who was elected last September as one of Shetland’s members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Beenie-Ann was described by crew members as “someone with a truly infectious personality”. Her positive attitude and supportive nature was highly praised and her pro-active willingness to get involved with every task on board was commended.

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Her inclusive approach to life on board, making sure everyone was involved and welcomed in all activities was noted, as was her enthusiasm, initiative and contagious energy to get everyone singing, dancing, swimming and enjoying themselves.

Organisers said Beenie-Ann made an “incredible contribution” to life on board for her crew mates and is a worthy winner of the Vevoe Trophy.

Swan Trust chair Mary Irvine said “On behalf of the board of Trustees, we offer our congratulations to Beenie-Ann who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, empathy and enthusiasm during her journey on Swan.

“She is a very worthy winner of this award and we hope that she continues to embrace her interest in sailing and Shetland’s maritime heritage.”