Award recognition for Swan Trust trio
6th December 2022
The skipper of the historic fishing vessel Swan is among three Swan Trust volunteers to have been recently recognised for their endeavours, reports Paul Scott.
Shetland Tall Ships director Sandra Laurenson (right) presents the International Sail Trainer of the Year award to Swan skipper Maggie Adamson. (Photos: Chris Brown)
Maggie Adamson was named Sail Trainer of the Year 2022 at the Sail Training International Awards, held in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The award, which recognises a high- performing professional sail trainer who delivers a training programme for young people at sea, was presented at the Swan Trust’s end of season gathering on 25 November.
Having sailed with the Swan since 2016, Maggie Adamson qualified as a skipper with the help of the trust in 2019. This year alone she has welcomed 216 primary pupils aboard for half-day sails and 110 trainees aged 15 to 25 for full sail training taster days, as well as 37 trainees aged 15 to 25 for overnight and longer passages, including the Tall Ships Race and the Excelsior Trust Centenary Smack Race.
Swan Trust trustee Peter Campbell said: “Maggie is very deserving of this accolade, and we could not be prouder of her, and her work. We are also so proud that she has come up through her training with the trust, and of her achievements in other sailing circles.
Swan Trustee John William Simpson presenting Vaila Wright with the Vevoe Trophy.
“She is one motivated, energetic and inspirational individual, and we are delighted to call her our skipper.”
Meanwhile, volunteer Ian Nicolson was named the winner of the National Historic Ships UK and Marsh Charitable Trust Marsh Volunteer Award (Individual). The award, also officially presented at the end of season event, recognises the significant contribution volunteers make to the conservation and operation of historic vessels in the UK.
“I am only one of a great many volunteers who do a great deal and are just as committed to keep the Swan and all the other classic and iconic boats going,” said Ian Nicolson, who approached the trust to volunteer after taking a trip aboard the Swan in 1999.
“Therefore, I would like to acknowledge all the volunteers who help care for these vessels and thank National Historic Ships UK and Marsh Charitable Trust for highlighting all our work.”
National Historic Ships director Hannah Cunliffe said: “Ian’s story particularly caught the judges’ attention, with the years of commitment shown and the many tasks undertaken. Congratulations on a very well-deserved win.”
David Goodlad, Swan Trust chair, presenting the Marsh Volunteer Award to Ian Nicolson.
Nineteen-year-old Vaila Wright from Lerwick was also recognised at the end of season gathering, and was presented with the Vevoe Trophy for Swan Sail Trainee of the Year 2022.
Supported by Sail Training Shetland, she was one of 20 Swan trainees who took part in the Tall Ships Races 2022 and the Excelsior Trust Centenary Smack Race.
“If I were to sum up my time on Swan it would be: Best. Experience. Ever. I couldn’t recommend it enough, the most fun and happiest experience of my life. All of the sailing was so memorable and just the most amazing experience – you feel very proud of yourself, and your team’s abilities,” she said.
“The Swan is a beautiful boat, and I always felt proud representing her.”
This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.30 here.
