- 1982: Schooner Freedom constructed in Norfolk, Virginia by Rover Marine under naval architect Merritt Walters.
- 2000-2001: John and Sarah Zaruba purchase the vessel, conduct refit, and launch it in St. Augustine as charter operation.
- 2001 onward: Daily sails and charters commence—day sails, sunset sails, moonlight sails become regular.
- 2010s: Branding as St. Augustine’s only tall ship solidified; themed sails and event offerings expanded.
- Holiday season each year: “Nights of Lights” special sails begin mid-November into January—ship decked in lights, holiday sail becomes popular.
- 2020s: Continued adaptation to tourism trends, digital ticketing, themed charters, and conservation awareness.
The Voyage Ahead: Future Prospects
Looking forward, the Schooner Freedom’s sustainability depends on several factors: continuing vessel maintenance and upgrading; aligning with evolving tourism preferences (eco-tourism, experiential travel); adapting to regulatory and environmental changes, including climate resilience; and further embedding in the local community and heritage economy.
Given its strong foundation, the vessel is well-positioned to remain a cornerstone attraction. Its combination of historical authenticity, leisure appeal, educational value and experiential richness ensures that it can continue to offer meaningful sailing experiences. The challenge will be to keep the experience fresh without losing the heritage core.
Conclusion: A Tall Ship That Tells a Story
The story of the Schooner Freedom is not just about a boat—it is about connection: between past and present, land and sea, heritage and leisure. As passengers step aboard, hoist a sail, feel the wind and gaze toward Florida’s oldest city, they become part of a narrative that spans centuries.
The Freedom reminds us that the sea remains a pathway of discovery, that sailing still excites, and that waterborne journeys offer a perspective different from roads and rails. In the towering masts, the canvas of sails, the salt air and shifting horizon, there is an invitation—to slow down, look back, and embrace the timeless movement of ship, wind and water.
In St. Augustine’s layered history, the Schooner Freedom occupies a special place: a vessel built to echo older times, operating in a modern tourism setting, yet firmly rooted in the wind-driven tradition of coastal Florida. For all who sail aboard, the journey is not only across water—it is across time. shutdown123