Recent article updating the boat building activities happening on Saturdays at the Gwynn’s Island Boat Shop, titled “MMF volunteer work continues through the winter”.
October 4, 2023 – Gazette-Journal
Photos in the Gloucester Mathews Gazette-Journal from this year’s Heritage Day. Go there
Sept. 27, 2023 – Gazette-Journal
Article in the Gloucester Mathews Gazette-Journal highlighting “Maritime Heritage Day Saturday” Go there
The Green Heron
The boat, Green Heron, that Gilbert Klingel built allowed him to continue his passion for observing the far ends of creeks and rivers, where wildlife and plant life were undisturbed. She draws only a foot of water and remains upright on the shore. She is a scow design which is flat-bottomed and her sail was Lateen, which is …
Heritage Day 2023
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 …
UPDATE on Gilbert Klingel’s “Freya”
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 …
Gwynn’s Island boat builder Gilbert Klingel is featured in the April 2021 issue of Chesapeake Bay Magazine
“In 1951, several nature writers were captivating readers with books that would endure for generations. Rachel Carson opened our eyes to the oceans’ wonders. Thor Heyerdahl thrilled us with his tale of South Seas bravery aboard a log raft. And Gilbert Klingel, a lesser known but no less knowledgeable author, took us where no one …
Freya Today – Volunteers Wanted
Freya, a 30’ full keel sloop, was the first boat built by Gilbert Klingel in 1953 at his boatyard on Gwynn’s Island, VA. After a return trip from Florida in 2017, she now resides as an educational vessel at the Mathews Maritime Foundation Gwynn’s Island Boat Shop. Freya is currently in line for some structural …
Freya’s Voyage Home to Virginia
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. …
Freya Sailing to Gwynn’s Island
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 …