In this feature, The Log looks at notable boats — sail and power — that continue to turn heads in Southern California harbors.
Boat name: Swift of Ipswich
Length: 70 ft.
Draft: 9”
Beam: 18.2”
Year Built: 1938
The Back Story: Swift of Ipswich, which is currently owned by Los Angeles Maritime Institute, is a topsail...
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9 Responses
I cherish the memorable Sierra Club sail aboard the Swift of Ipswich in the summer of 1973. Sailing out of Santa Barbara to the Channel Islands, we enjoyed the best 3 days sailing about the Islands—sleeping on deck under a blanket of stars, anchoring off Santa Cruz and swimming in to hike the Island, joined by a school dolphins as we crossed in 7’ swells to San Miguel teeming with marine mammals and birds. What a trip!!! Love tall ships—the power of the wind in their sails…
Hi Carole. Please, what was the name of the Captain of your journey aboard the Swift of Ipswich? I ask, because I was handed down an ink framed drawing of the Swift from my parents. It is hanging on the wall as I write this. A card attached to it says “Captained by Headley 1973”. He may have been a cousin of mine… Mike
Hi Mike, I am curious during which years your cousin was Captain. I was a Mariner Girl Scout and spent my 16th birthday on the Ipswich and many fun days camping on one of the Channel Islands, I think Santa Cruz, with other Mariners. The crew made sure my birthday was special. This was 1968. Do you think he was Captain then? I had forgotten the name of the ship but just found a postcard from the day. Janet
I crewed on board the Swift of Ipswitch (via a 3-day Channel Island Sierra Club cruise) with Capt. Richard Headley in Oct., 1973.
What website?
My friend Tom Hennessy captained the Swift out of Santa Barbara 1974. He loved the Swift and went on to get an any tonage any waters license.
I have old photos from ,1938-39 of the Swift of Ipswich from an old scrapbook of my father’s during a time he was at the Essex Boat Works in Essex, CT. I wonder if the LA Maritime Institute would have any interest.
In 1965, I was a crew member on the Swift sailing out of Santa Barbara. Bill Irvine was captain at the time & two of the crew members I sailed with were Fred bonde & Dave Jones (?). We sailed the southern California Coast from Santa Barbara to Long Beach and took charter groups to the Channel islands including Catalina. Great memories of those trips!
I crewed on The Swift of Ipswich when she was leased by Gary and Corie Narvaez in the 80’s. Herb Underwood was the Captain at that time. Working for Buccaneer Cruises was the best time of my life. I am happy that The Swift has a new life teaching the younger generation the joys of Sailing. My husband and I support LAMI.