Within a few years, the Schooner Freedom had become recognized as a landmark attraction in St. Augustine, often described as the city’s only tall ship.    Its branding emphasized romantic sails, history, and sea breeze experiences. The vessel’s operations positioned it as more than a boat ride—it became an event: sunset cruises with liv

The Schooner Freedom began its modern life not as an antique relic but as a purpose-built charter schooner. Naval architect Merritt Walters and his company Rover Marine began construction in Norfolk, Virginia in 1982.    The steel-hulled, aluminum-masted vessel measures a sparred length of 76 feet, deck length of 64 feet, beam 15 ft 4 inches,

Introduction: A Sail into the Past The Schooner Freedom is more than a sightseeing vessel in historic St. Augustine—it is a floating bridge between centuries of nautical heritage, coastal commerce, leisure sailing, and modern tourism. Over its decades of operation, the Freedom has carried countless passengers into the wind and waves off Florida�

Looking ahead, the Homosassa River faces both opportunity and responsibility. Opportunities include further nature-based tourism, expanded environmental education, restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation and community engagement in citizen science. The river can serve as a living classroom for hydrology, ecology and sustainable tourism. Resp