Sail the Magnificient
Schooner Freedom

Captain John Zaruba started his life at sea in his teens, sailing small hoby cats and eventually graduating up to a 32 ft. sailboat.

His wife Sarah joined him and the young couple spent their early twenties cruising the eastern seaboard down to the islands.

The birth of their first child led them to a more permanent location in Key West, Florida. The Zarubas managed a watersports concession for a prominent hotel. After a second child and an illness in the family, John and Sarah made the move back to Jacksonville, FL, to be closer to family.

On one of his numerous drives from the Keys to Jacksonville, John received a call from Sarah regarding a schooner for sail in Brooksville. After a short detour and many calls, John and Sarah were the proud owners of a schooner named the Island Rover.

The opening of a charter business was an attractive option for the young couple. They could both continue to enjoy their life on the water and have the freedom to spend time with their family.

After a year in the boat yard, the freshly overhauled Schooner Freedom made her home at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina.

Almost 10 years later, Freedom has become a familiar site, sliding across the waters in front of St. Augustine’s historic bayfront.

Both husband and wife respectively captain and crew the boat a majority of the time. With a small, family atmosphere, it is not unusual to see their daughter raising a sail or their son entertaining a group of young passengers.

Both captain and crew chat with the passengers while guests sip beer, wine, soda, or water.

There are three tours to choose from; day, evening, or the "Ghost of Matanzas" sail.

The day sail takes you into the bay where you can view historic St. Augustine from another vantage point.

You can soak up the sun, feel the gentle sea breeze as you glide along, and, there is a good chance you will see plenty of marine life, including dolphins and manatees. Duration: 2, 3, or 4 hour sails available.

During the evening sail, you can relax after a long day and enjoy a romantic sunset as you gaze out at St. Augustine's beautiful skyline and listen to relaxing music. Duration: 2 hours.

The "Ghost of Matanzas" tour is a one-hour tour providing an eerie setting for tails about ghosts and pirates that once plundered these very waters. This is definitely a fun and spooky adventure you will enjoy.

Due to unpredictable weather, the tour schedules could change at any moment. Your captain reserves the right to alter or cancel a cruise.

Reservations are recommended.
(904) 810-1010

Departure times:
Day Sail: 12:15

Evening Sail (2 hours)
Mid-April - August: 6:15 p.m.
September - October: 5:45 p.m.
November - January: 4:15 p.m.
February - Mid-April: 5:15 p.m.

Ghost of Matanzas (1 hour)
Mid-April - August: 8:45 p.m.
September-October: 8:15 p.m.
November - January: 6:45 p.m.
February - Mid-April: 7:45 p.m.

NOTE: Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the attraction.

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St. Augustine, Florida.