Eight Bells: Berta Johnson Swanson

Berta Johnson Swanson, a longtime resident of Winchester, MA, died quietly at home surrounded by family on Thursday June 5, 2025, at 100 years of age. Born in Brattleboro, VT on June 29, 1924, she was the beloved wife of the late Ralph M. Swanson of Winchester, MA.

In 1958, Berta began crewing for Ralph in Snipe 9872 which started a lifelong love for and dedication to helping promote and grow the class beginning at the Winchester Boat Club (WBC) in Massachusetts. 

Making room for her kids to crew for their dad, the summers found her serving on WBC’s race committee captaining “The Queen” and vigilantly ensuring that SCIRA rules were followed.   She also “captained” her 6 kids as the entire family traveled with 2 cars and  double decker trailers  to Regattas and National Championships across the country.  This led Berta to become more involved with SCIRA at the national level.  Her love for fun and adventure was always evident in these trips so much so that when one of her kids set a wedding date both Berta and Ralph said, ” That’s wonderful!  But we won’t be there because it’s the Snipe Nationals!”

Berta and Ralph became known on the international sailing scene when Ralph became International Commodore for SCIRA. They travelled to the World Championships, wherever held, whether it be in Norway, Spain, Brazil, Bermuda, Japan, France or other countries, for over (15) years. Berta’s travels with Ralph established lifetime relationships with snipe sailors from all over the world. Each time, coming back home with stories and friends in tow.  Their home was open to sailors from all over the world, some calling her ‘The Commodore’, others just calling her ‘Mom’.