freedom rigged sloops

[saab96]

I'm interested in a Freedom rigged sloop but wondering about their seakindliness and ability to stand up to hard weather offshore. Are there any owners out there who can advise me?

 

[boatmike]

Never had one myself but an old mate of mine had one (2 master) and was very attached to it. Reputedly very easy to handle single handed and I see no reason why they wouldn't be seakindly. My mate beat the begeezus out of his in all weathers!

 

[matelot]

there are a number of different boats made by Freedom yachts. I've regularly sailed on a Freedom 39 deck saloon schooner, and its a great sea boat. The carbon fibre masts are brilliant. Accommodation isnt remotely as good as a 39ft Bav, but short tacking is brill.

Which model interests you?

 

[kds]

Got a friend with a Nonsuch 30. He always has had freedom-type rigs. pm. me if you want his contact address - and I'll ask him.
ken

 

[Poignard]

I once rafted up next to one and it was a bit awkward getting on and off it because there were no shrouds to get hold of!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Twister_Ken]

Strictly, Freedom is a brand. The generic description is cat-rigged.

One downside is the inability to set a separate downwind sail, but cat-rigged ketches just set each sail on each tack. Impressive.

 

[Massey]

I had a Freedom 35 for several years and loved it. With the wind at all free the rig is very efficient with a strong two-ply (wraparound) sail and an almost perfect aerodynamic sail shape. The unstayed rig automatically flattens the sail as the wind increases and she stands up to her sail very well indeed. A staysail can be set up which is tacked down at the base of the mainmast. With the wind abaft the beam the main can be set to windward which presents a huge, balanced sail plan. We had 15 kts off Jersey once in 30 kts wind with a full rig, main to windward, wife on helm, no fuss! There are few non-racers of a similar size that we keep up off the wind. On the wind, they have to be sailed a little free and take some coaxing when light. The original concept was particularly appealing before the days of roller-furlers, with all the controls lead aft. The lack of standing rigging does make going forward a challenge when it is lumpy. The movement of the mast is quite unerving but apparently they are strong although I did witness a carbon fibre one snap on a F39!

 

[pmyatt]

There are 2 generations of Freedom yachts, the cat-rigged ketch and the sloop. Which are you interested in? We have had both versions and our present home is the Freedom 38 Bermudan sloop version. happy to help -suggest you pm with a list of questions.

 

[saab96]

Its the Freedom 33 fin keeled sloop version. Have you tried one of these?