Swift (O'day) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The O'day Swift emerged during a period of significant growth for O'day Corp., a company founded in 1958 by Olympic gold medalist George D. O'Day. George O'Day, a respected figure in the sailing world, established his company with the aim of mass-producing well-designed, accessible fiberglass sailboats. The O'day manufacturing ethos, during the Swift's production years (1964-1972), focused on creating dependable and forgiving vessels, particularly appealing to families and those new to sailing. Fiberglass was the material of choice for its consistency and suitability for mass production. The Swift, with its simple lateen rig and daggerboard keel, perfectly aligned with this philosophy, offering a straightforward and user-friendly experience. The Swift was also noted in company literature alongside its larger sibling, the Super Swift, which featured more sail area and a slightly longer hull.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Weighing in at a mere 80 pounds with a sail area of 44 square feet, the O'day Swift is designed for nimble performance in light to moderate winds, making it an ideal trainer or recreational dinghy. Its daggerboard keel allows for a variable draft, from a minimum of 0.25 feet with the board up, perfect for launching from shallow beaches, to a maximum of 2.5 feet when deployed for better upwind performance and stability. With a hull speed of approximately 4.02 knots, the Swift is not built for breaking speed records but rather for a responsive and engaging sailing experience. Its light displacement and broad beam relative to its small size suggest a boat that is relatively stable for its class, yet lively enough to provide a good feel for the wind and water. Owners have noted its ease of handling and portability, highlighting its suitability for casual sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its diminutive size, the O'day Swift is a pure day sailer with minimal "accommodations." The open cockpit design prioritizes space for a single sailor or a small crew, rather than offering any enclosed living quarters. The Swift features a self-bailing drain plug in the cockpit and a bow handle for ease of launching and retrieval. While there is no dedicated cabin or headroom, its open layout is conducive to learning and enjoying the immediate sailing experience without the complexities of interior systems. Storage is limited to what can be brought aboard in a small dry bag or secured to the open deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'day Swift appreciate its simplicity, lightweight construction, and ease of transport. Many consider it an excellent entry-level boat, perfect for teaching children or for adult beginners to hone their sailing skills. Its robust fiberglass construction for its size contributes to its longevity, with many examples still sailing decades after production ceased. However, its "rare-ness" (only about 1,750 were made) can sometimes present challenges when seeking replacement parts or specific advice on maintenance, as fewer resources and knowledgeable individuals may be available compared to more common O'day models. Despite this, the enduring appeal of the Swift lies in its fundamental sailing purity and its ability to deliver straightforward enjoyment on the water.