Marine / New faces on Swan Trust
SEVEN new faces have been appointed to help shape the future of the Swan Trust.
They are: Andrew Manson, Angus MacNeil, Bryden Jacobson, Daniel Lawson, Jessie Szego, Rory Goodlad and Shayne McLeod.
Trust chair David Goodlad said the organisation, which looks after the historic sail training vessel Swan, received a good number of applications in its recent drive for trustees.
“The overriding thing which came through in all applications was everyone’s passion for the Swan and enthusiasm for the work undertaken by the Trust, especially in terms of youth sail training and preserving our heritage,” he said.
“We hope those who were not successful this time are not discouraged from working with the Trust in other ways, or applying to be a trustee in the future.
“I would like to congratulate the seven successful candidates, who bring a good breadth of skills to the board. We were also delighted to see that the many of those who applied are previous trainees and/or current volunteers.”
Andrew Manson has sailed on the Swan many times, was the Trust’s trainee of the year in 2019 and is an active volunteer.
He is passionate about youth sail training, and ensuring ongoing opportunities for folk to sail traditional wooden vessels such as the Swan.
As an employee of the Malakoff, Angus MacNeil knows the Swan well.
He worked as an apprentice on her initial reconstruction in the early 1990s and oversees her ongoing maintenance and slipping. He is also a keen sailor and boat enthusiast, with experience in junior sail training.
Since he came aboard the Swan at a trainee, Bryden Jacobsen has been an active volunteer with the Trust.
After being on the Swan he went onto qualify as a marine engineer, and has worked at sea ever since.
As well as his engineering skills, he brings a good knowledge of the current maritime environment.
Daniel Lawson has fond memories of coming aboard the Swan as a school pupil and taking part in a Tall Ships Race as a sail trainee.
Having trained and built experience as a journalist, he now works at the Shetland Fishermen’s Association.
Lawson brings his marketing and PR skills, as well as his enthusiasm for Shetland’s fishing heritage and sail training.
Meanwhile Jessie Szego is an experienced sailor, with years of sailing in various locations which culminated in taking part in the 2019/20 Clipper Round the World Race.
She has a passion for teaching others to sail and, through her career, is experienced in governance, policies and procedures and health and safety.
Rory Goodlad grew up with the Swan and it was these early trips which inspired him to pursue a career at sea and study to obtain his master 3,000gt certificate.
He has a big passion for sailing and teaching traditional techniques, extensive experience on sail training vessels and a good knowledge of maritime law and regulations.
Shayne McLeod first came aboard the Swan as a primary school pupil and is now a regular volunteer. He has a passion for Shetland’s heritage and continuing the Swan’s sail training activities.
He is also a trustee of Sail Training Shetland and commodore of Lerwick Boating Club.
The new trustees join current members Andrew Johnston, Brian Wishart, David Goodlad, George Anderson, Ian Tait, John Goodlad, John William Simpson, Mary Irvine, Michael Simpson, Peter Campbell and Tommy Allan.
Trustee Brian Wishart said: “We were thrilled with the standard of applicants. Having provided sail training opportunities for over 25 years, it is especially encouraging to see some of those who first came on Swan as primary pupils and older sail trainees in those early days now becoming Trustees.
“With the success of our 2022 season, The Tall Ships Races coming back to Shetland next year, and a very busy sailing schedule for 2023, this is an exciting time for the Trust.
“We look forward to working with all the new trustees to progress our strategic priorities and safeguard Swan for future generations.”
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