JONATHAN SWIFT

The Story of the Jonathan Swift This painting holds special significance, as it was created for a close friend who spent thirteen years owning and racing a remarkable 60-foot yacht in the waters surrounding San Francisco Bay. The vessel, known as the Jonathan Swift, boasts a unique and storied history that spans continents and decades. Origins and Wartime History Constructed in Holland in 1938, the Jonathan Swift faced an extraordinary fate during World War II. To protect it from falling into German hands, the yacht was intentionally submerged and kept at the bottom of a pond throughout the conflict. After the war ended, the boat was raised, meticulously refitted, and made seaworthy once again. Racing on San Francisco Bay Eventually, Mel Frazee acquired the Jonathan Swift and made it his own. For more than thirteen years, Frazee sailed and raced the yacht throughout San Francisco Bay, forging countless memories and experiences along the way. Transformation and Legacy Following its sale, the yacht underwent significant changes. Its name was changed to the Isis, and the original wooden decks were replaced with steel. Despite these modifications, the vessel continues to grace the waters beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, serving as a living testament to its enduring legacy.