Preserving the history and legacy of Gilbert Klingel
Built by Gilbert Klingel at his Gwynn’s Island boatyard during the mid-1950s, the Freya has been donated to the Mathews Maritime Foundation (MMF). Freya will be berthed at the boatyard where she was built (now home of the MMF). Plans are to restore Freya and use her as an educational vessel. Explore this journal category for additional news and updates.
We had a great turnout for the Freya Homecoming Celebration on June 3rd. Thanks to all the volunteers and donors who made it possible to bring her back to Gwynn’s Island and to all who participated in the welcome celebration! It’s now time to restore Freya, so there’s a continuing need for donations. Our immediate …
Don’t miss the article “Homecoming celebration Saturday for The Freya“
The Freya completed her journey home to Gwynn’s Island, Virginia, on May 28th!
As of May 24, we have sailed over 550 nautical miles (with about 200 miles remaining). We have experienced every point of sail that a boat is capable of, and in the face of stiff winds, Freya has met every challenge with a determination that does not exist in some boats. She held up proudly …
Article published in the Daily Press about the Freya, “Historic boat returns home to Gwynn’s Island“.
Webmaster Note (John Tobin): I am updating this page as accurately as possible via correspondences with John Bonner and other sources as information becomes available. John Bonner will verify and fill-in details when possible. His friend and crewmember, Donnie Pressley has also been posting regular updates on his Facebook page, which you may find interesting. …
John Bonner departed on his drive to Florida this morning! He was pulling a trailer loaded with tools and gear that will be used before and during the voyage up to Virginia. He will meet with his brother Bob and crew in St. Augustine where the journey will begin. A cinematographer will accompany John along …
Students From Mr. Applegate’s Engineering Class at Mathews High School will be helping to compile and distribute Information about Freya’s Journey home to Gwynn’s Island. Sam Carmine, Shawn Davis and Alec Thompson (pictured above) will use social media outlets in conjunction with a GPS tracking system to chronicle the journey of Freya all the way …
See the article in the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal titled “The journey home“.
I was in St. Augustine, FL during the last weeks of October working with others to prepare Freya for her return to Gwynn’s Island (left to right pictured above: Bob Bonner, John Bonner, Donnie Pressley and Robie Bonner). The engine was first on the list: all fluids and filters were changed and she started right …