28' Stanley Friendship Sloop (1976) - FREEDOM

Freedom is 28 ft on deck and 46 ft overall gaff rigged Friendship Sloop, Friendship Sloop Society Sail Number 167. She is cedar planked on white oak frames. She was designed and built in 1976 by famed Maine boatbuilder, Ralph Stanley. Freedom is traditionally rigged with block and tackle, leading to some good exercise while raising and striking sail.

Freedom was built for Richard Dudman, a journalist and war correspondent. Mr. Dudman was on assignment to Southeast Asia and was captured by the Khmer Rouge and held captive for over six weeks. During his captivity, he said to a colleague that if he survived the ordeal, he was going to Southwest Harbor Maine to have Ralph Stanley build him a Friendship Sloop and was going to name her Freedom. Mr. Dudman survived, the boat was built, and he spent over 30 years sailing her. Freedom had the good fortune of being cared for by her builder for most of her life, and previous owners have kept her in great shape. She is a fine example of, what was a Maine working boat design, built for pleasure.

We took stewardship of Freedom in 2018 and have been enjoying her sturdy construction and easy sailing qualities ever since. We are proud to be the current caretakers of FREEDOM and we are doing everything we can to make sure she sails for a long time to come!

We continue her upkeep to ensure she lasts a long time. She has been fully refastened below the waterline and is currently being repowered. Her old 28 hp Volvo Penta is being replaced with a brand new Beta 30.

We hope you enjoy looking at our little piece of Freedom.

Construction Information: Cedar planked on oak frames; bronze fastened. Deck is caulked and laid cedar. Mahogany cabin trunk and cockpit.