Maggie Adamson will take the helm of the Swan this year leading the programme of youth charters, community projects and public trips.
Maggie’s first experience of the former herring drifter was on a sailing trip as a primary pupil. She has sailed as part of the crew since 2016, first as a volunteer and then employed as Bosun and Mate. Supported by The Swan Trust Maggie qualified as a skipper in 2019, later leading the Swan on a 10-day sail around Shetland and Orkney.
She has now been appointed by the Trust to skipper the vessel in 2022.
Maggie has sailed all over the world, and competed in many sailing competitions from dinghies to offshore yachts, including representing Shetland at the Island Games. Maggie is preparing for a transatlantic crossing on the Volvo Ocean Race 65 yacht Sailing Poland before the Swan season starts.
Built in Lerwick in 1900, Swan was one of hundreds of Fifies, sailing herring drifters, which fished around Shetland’s shores, and further afield. Today, Swan is one of only two her size in existence, and the only one offering sail training experiences.
Discover more about The Swan at swantrust.com
Maggie said: "I have sailed on lots of different boats, and enjoy competing but I always look forward to coming home to Shetland and sailing on the Swan. Working and living on the Swan is a great way of life.
"It’s an adventure, the sailing is traditional and stripped back to the way it would have been, and you have time onboard to appreciate the wildlife and places around you.
"I also really enjoy meeting the range of people who come aboard and the variety of trips on offer – from half days with schools, to a nine night trip to St Kilda and then a month taking part in the Tall Ships Races."