Want to get involved in maintaining and operating a traditional wooden sailing vessel? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer to safeguard, care for and sail this unique heritage asset.
Learn more8 October 2025
Trustees and invited guests of the Swan Trust SCIO attended an event at the Scalloway Boating Club on Friday evening to mark the end of the summer sailing season and to congratulate Stella Manson from Sullom on being awarded the Vevoe Trophy for 2025.
The Vevoe Trophy was established in 2011 and is awarded every year 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 by the late Willie Simpson, crew member aboard 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 as John Willum, son of Willie, is a Trustee and presented the trophy to Stella.
The trophy is a replica of the original ship’s wheel made by the late Lowrie Robertson of Unst, with assistance from Maurice Manson and Ian Smith of Lerwick, and Peter Moaut of Unst. 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.
Stella was selected by the crew for her positive attitude, dedication to teamwork and excellent attitude. From as soon as she stepped on board, Stella as the first to volunteer for any job, even when nobody else wanted to. She was often found quietly lending a hand in the background without needing to be asked.
Stella’s spirits spread through Swan, bringing positive energy to the group, even at points of low morale. Always first to take the helm when needed, and looking after watch mates when they were feeling seasick.
Swan Trust Chair, Mary Irvine, said “Swan Trustees offer their congratulations to Stella on her award and hope that she continues to take an interest in traditional sailing in the future.
“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.”
Image by Tom Jamieson - l-r: Scot Sandison (Mate), John Willum Simposon (Trustee), Stella Manson, Eli Pacey (Skipper)
Want to get involved in maintaining and operating a traditional wooden sailing vessel? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer to safeguard, care for and sail this unique heritage asset.
Learn more
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