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Featured, Living

Sailing Away on St. Augustine’s Schooner Freedom

With wind-whipped hair and our eyes on the skies, life is just better on the deck of the Schooner Freedom – especially with a group of your closest friends.

October 16, 2018 | Molly Wilson
two guests aboard the schooner freedom in st augustine

French aviator Alain Gerbault once said, “I wanted freedom, open air, and adventure. I found it on the sea.” So in search of all these things promised by the waters (with a bit of good company, some wine, and a post-thunderstorm sky thrown in), the St. Augustine Social team and a few close friends boarded the Schooner Freedom for a private sunset sail.

We were greeted at once by the schooner’s able-bodied crew – Sydney, Zachary, Michelle, “Admiral” Sarah, and Captain John. John and Sarah Zaruba bought the Schooner Freedom way back in 2000, spending eight months fixing her up with the help of their daughter Sydney and her brother before the family started running trips in St. Augustine. With nearly a lifetime of sailing under their belts, eighteen seasons on the Schooner Freedom, and an infectious love of the sea, our evening outing was in the hands of some experienced sailors.

a sail on the schooner freedom in st augustine

a private sail on the schooner freedom st augustine

Each sail starts with a quick safety briefing (the majority of which is spent explaining the use of the boat’s somewhat complicated nautical facilities) before guests are asked to assist with the pulling of lines to raise the sails and get us underway. Captain John steered the boat from the dock of the St. Augustine Municipal Marina in the direction of the 312 bridge, sailing along at an unhurried pace past the trees and houses lining the Intracoastal. As our guests gained their sea legs and became comfortable on the deck, the crew wandered around swapping tales and stories. The chatter was animated but peaceful. Somehow, everything out there is peaceful. The clouds left over from an afternoon shower intensified the colors of a setting sun, and the world around us became languid.

a private sail on the schooner freedom st augustine

a private sail on the schooner freedom st augustine

We idled in the waters for a moment or two, admiring the view and taking in the air. Captain John follows the wind, so the boat’s itinerary is, in some senses, determined by nature. As the boat turned, we gained some speed, anticipating the raising of the bridge on the hour. It’s a far more pleasant experience sailing under the open Bridge of Lions – with a hearty wave and shout to the bridge tender – than idling in a line of cars, waiting for it to close. You can almost feel the impatience above.

the bridge of lions from the deck of the schooner freedom st augustine

the bridge of lions from the deck of the schooner freedom st augustine

As the holidays quickly approach and large groups of families flock to our little slice of paradise, a private charter like this one is a perfect means of finding a bit of peace in the chaos. Out-of-towners will get to see the city from a unique perspective and experience the beloved local pastime of sailing – without you needing to possess any nautical skills yourself. If your family is extensive (up to 35 in number) or you just want to savor the moment on your own, a private sail with Captain John and the crew is an ideal afternoon activity. If your group is small or you’re looking for something more low-key, instead take a scheduled day sail in the sun, wind down the evening watching the sunset, even get a glimpse of the moon on the water during a moonlight sail.

watching the sunset from the deck of the schooner freedom st augustine

the skyline of st augustine from the deck of the schooner freedom

A small pod of dolphins raced alongside us as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The shops and restaurants along the bayfront illuminated in the fading light, and – just like that – our two-hour trip was nearly over. A small part of you vehemently resists stepping onto the dock and getting back to real life. But when your feet gain solid ground again, the freedom, open air, and adventure of the sail help you breathe a little easier.

 

To learn more about the Schooner Freedom, visit www.schoonerfreedom.com. Photography by Brian Miller.

Meet The Author
Molly Wilson
Molly Wilson is the Managing Editor at St. Augustine Social. She is a Tallahassee, Florida native who came to St. Augustine in 2014 to attend Flagler College for her undergraduate. She has degrees in English Literature and Philosophy/Religion and is working on her master's degree in Liberal Arts. When not working or studying, she spends her very limited free time baking, reading, and exploring St. Augustine with her dog Reg.


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St. Augustine Social is THE city magazine for St. Augustine, FL. Our mission is to discover interesting stories and interpret St. Augustine's unique culture in a way that uplifts, educates and enlightens invested St. Augustinians. We live to create breathtaking imagery and engage in a warm, playful dialogue that promotes our town and the talent, commerce, food flavors, and top tastemakers that live here.

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