Swift Catamaran history

an area to discuss dinghy developments
Post Reply
User avatar
PeterV
Posts: 1233
Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 8:47 pm
Location: Locks Heath, Hampshire

Swift Catamaran history

Post by PeterV »

Questions for DavidH unless there's any other experts out there.
An Internet search suggests the Swift was designed in 1954 but I don't think this can be right. The Shearwater 1 was built in 1954, the 11 in 1955 and the 111 which is the current class in 1956. I would have thought that the Swift was designed after 1956 as a smaller version?
Also, if the beam was limited by the bollards on Leigh prom does this mean the Swift was designed for Leigh on Sea SC? If so it would explain why there were so many there.
PeterV
Finn K197 & GBR564
Warsash
davidh
Posts: 3166
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:43 am
Location: Ventor Isle of Wight

Re: Swift Catamaran history

Post by davidh »

Peter V and other cat aficionados......

It looks as if I now have the commission to do the big cat article (or big article on cats) - coming later this summer!

D
David H
RobinJones
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Aug 22, 2014 4:54 pm

Re: Swift Catamaran history

Post by RobinJones »

Little while ago i did a little research on old cats after reading a little about Rod MacAlpine-Downey Thai series.

I found what seems to be a pretty handy guide of 1950's catamarans from the AYRS, it has a small section on the swift saying it was released at the Boat Show January 1959.

Anyone feel free to PM me if they'd like me to send them this. :)
User avatar
PeterV
Posts: 1233
Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 8:47 pm
Location: Locks Heath, Hampshire

Re: Swift Catamaran history

Post by PeterV »

Thanks Robin, I thought it must be later than 1956.
PeterV
Finn K197 & GBR564
Warsash
User avatar
PeterV
Posts: 1233
Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 8:47 pm
Location: Locks Heath, Hampshire

Re: Swift Catamaran history

Post by PeterV »

Robin has really come up trumps. Not only does this AYRS review of 1959 cover the introduction of the Swift but it also has a photograph of number 5 racing!
PeterV
Finn K197 & GBR564
Warsash
Post Reply