Dave Swift
Captain of 12 Metre Easterner

Dave Swift grew up on the waters of Gloucester, Massachusetts and has sailed competitively for 35 years. His junior career brought him many victories, sailing in Lasers, 420's,  210's and Turnabouts.

As an instructor at Eastern Point Yacht Club, many of his proteges went on to become college All-Americans. Upon graduating from Villanova University, where he captained / coached the sailing team to its highest national ranking, he moved on to larger boats.

In 1993, Dave arrived in Newport to crew on the 12 Metre Weatherly. This began an 18 + year enduring love for 12 Metres. In that time he has sailed on most of the 12 Metre fleet located in Newport, having done everything from bowman to helmsman. Dave has captained many high- end private yachts, has a 100 ton Coast Guard license and has over 100,000 offshore miles.

Dave has captained the 12 Metre Easterner since 2001, and played a key role in refitting the former America's Cup Yacht  into being handicapped accessible for the Shake A Leg program. His multifaceted knowledge of not only Easterner but also the local waters, was critical in captaining her safely and successfully. His hope for the program is to "give those that might not have had a chance to sail the thrill of sailing one of the most beautiful former America's Cup Yachts ever built."