A word from the builder..."The Spirit Of Independence is a schooner that is similar in design to the coasting schooners that plied the waters off East, Gulf, and West coasts of America during the 19th and the first part of the 20th century. During this time the schooners were employed in the fishing fleets, freight-hauling fleets, and as passenger carriers. During America's wars the schooner did its part as well.

These vessels were last seen in regular service as late as the early 1940s. The schooner evolved in America to sail well with the head winds it often encountered as it sailed up and down the coast, and in and out of the small sea port towns, delivering passengers and freight. It had very strong sailing characteristics off the wind as well. The service the schooners entered demanded speed. But equally important it could be manned by a small crew, as manpower was becoming more expensive.

The schooner rig has been on some of the fastest sailing vessels the world has seen. It was considered to be the rig of choice in America for the yachts of the rich and famous during the early part of the 20th century. Because the schooner has such fine sailing characteristics, and because it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sailing rigs, the working schooners as a type are seeing a rebirth. They are coming back as yachts and passenger carrying charter boats. These vessels are giving people an opportunity to experience some of the tradition of this country's sailing past.

The Spirit Of Independence replicates the grand traditions of its forbears. But the use of modern materials and equipment makes the Spirit much stronger, safer, and easier to operate and maintain than its predecessors. The Spirit is not in any way intended to be a replica of a vessel from the past. It has the grace and beauty of a two masted gaff headed schooner, with bowsprit, clipper bow, and trailer boards. Yes... the Spirit is all that one would expect in a schooner. But as they say "beauty is only skin deep." Below one finds all the modern devices the make today's cruising so interesting and pleasant.

The Spirit Of Independence was designed by Naval Architect the late Charles Wittholz, with modifications by J. C. Waters. The vessel is being built under the rules as a U. S. inspected vessel. The U. S. Coast Guard inspects construction of the Spirit. And it will qualify to enter the passenger carrying service as a sub-Chapter T vessel carrying 49-day passengers, or 12 passengers for extended cruises."