Tall Ship Swift of Ipswich

The Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) serves to empower youth to discover their greater potential through extraordinary at-sea experiences aboard educational sailing vessels built to train and equip young people with 21st century leadership skills, and inspire maritime and STEM career paths.

The TopSail Youth Program’s original vessel, Swift of Ipswich, was built in the style of a Revolutionary War privateer. She is a 92-foot wooden topsail schooner designed by Howard Chappelle and built-in 1938 by William Robinson.

The Swift of Ipswich was once the personal yacht of actor James Cagney and had been a well-known floating landmark in California for over 60 years. Many who know her say her finest hours have been those spent serving youth.

About two thirds the size of one of our brigantines, Swift is especially well-suited for working with younger youth.

Our beloved Swift will be a sight to behold when she completes restoration in San Pedro and will be charged with serving upper elementary and middle school students in Wilmington. You can follow the excellent photo record of her reconstruction being created by Jerry Soto.