Preserving the history and legacy of Gilbert Klingel
The Mathews Maritime Heritage Festival is back this year and will take place both at the Museum at 482 Main Street AND at the Gwynn’s Island Boat Shop on Old Ferry Rd. There will be music, food, activities and exhibits, storytelling, boats, and lots of rich maritime history. When: Saturday, 9/30/23Time: 10AM-4PMWhere: Mathews Maritime Museum …
I recently returned from a trip to Maine, in part to visit with Mark Jackson on Green Island. Mark was the Maritime Technical Instructor at Vinalhaven High School and he was seeking a boat that needed restoration and would fulfill the need of his project; to provide a sailing experience and a challenge for the …
Our Scouts, two girls and one boy, sailed Sunday in Milford Haven. The Freya is currently out of the water for the winter. Shown sailing here is the 32 foot Endeavour.
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 …
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 …
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 …
Initially scheduled for a fall 2016 departure from St. Augustine, FL, Freya’s return to Gwynn’s Island, VA has been postponed due to hurricane damage to parts of the Intracoastal Waterway. Hurricane Matthew did much damage on the waterway making it difficult for a safe trip. Current plans are to bring the boat home to Mathews …
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 …