Built by Gilbert Klingel at his Gwynn’s Island boatyard in the mid-1950s, the Freya is currently docked in St. Augustine, Florida. Tom Robinson of Moon, VA heard the boat was for sale and contacted her owner, Tim Loncarich, who agreed to donate her to the Mathews Maritime Foundation for use as an educational vessel.
Robinson said the Freya will be eventually docked at the Foundation’s boat shop on Gwynn’s Island and that plans are in the works to have it designated a Virginia Maritime Historic Landmark. The Mathews Economic Development Authority awarded the Maritime Foundation a $4,400 grant to fund repairs and outfitting for the boat and to pay for a Virginia Department of Historic Resources road marker to denote the location where the boat will be berthed.
Upon her return, Freya will be outfitted to participate in local maritime events and become an educational facility for a new Sea Scout troop in Mathews County. However, we need additional funds to restore Freya’s condition to make her seaworthy for the trip home from Florida. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.