Experience the charm of Boston from a truly unique vantage point aboard a majestic tall ship, offering an unparalleled way to appreciate the city’s iconic skyline and the picturesque Boston Harbor. The Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships provides an authentic sailing adventure, allowing guests to step back in time and feel the wind in their sails while soaking in the beautiful waterfront views. This is an incredible opportunity for both locals and Boston visitors to enjoy harbor cruises, witness historic vessels in action, and create lasting memories on the water. We were invited in for a sunset cruise and it was one of the highlights of our summer in Boston!
The Authentic Sailing Experience: Keeping Tradition Alive
The Liberty Fleet’s core mission is to preserve the traditional marine arts and make them accessible, offering a genuine glimpse into the past of maritime travel.
A Legacy of Tall Ship Adventures in Boston Harbor
Troy Sullivan, Owner of Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships, shares the company’s rich history: “I am actually the 4th owner of the Liberty Fleet. The company was started in 1995 by a man named Greg Muzzy. He loved tall ships and sailing and wanted to give non-sailors the opportunity to experience firsthand what traditional boats were like.” The company began with one vessel, the Liberty, and later expanded. Sullivan and his wife acquired the business in March 2024, continuing the tradition with the wooden schooner Liberty Star. “It has always been my dream to own a tall ship business, and the timing was finally right,” Sullivan explains. They are currently seeking a second boat to expand their operations.
Stepping Aboard the Historic Liberty Star
The authenticity of the experience is paramount for Liberty Fleet. Sullivan emphasizes, “Our key tenet is authenticity. The Liberty Star’s keel was laid in 1972 in Maine, a place where wooden tall ships and the skilled craftsmen who build and maintain them still flourish. While she is only 50 years old, she is the same design as the coastal schooners built and used in the 1800’s.” He adds, “Any sailor from that time period could step aboard the Star today and, aside from the engine and electronics, be able to operate the vessel and sail away without any problems. The Liberty Star allows everyday folks to come aboard and see what a boat from that time was actually like, how they worked, smelled, and sailed.” This commitment to historical accuracy offers a truly immersive sailing tour in Boston.
Safety, Sustainability, and the Spirit of the Sea
Liberty Fleet prioritizes guest well-being and environmentally conscious practices while fostering a unique community at sea.
Ensuring Guest Comfort and Safety on Every Voyage
The safety and comfort of guests are paramount. Sullivan states, “Liberty Star conforms to all United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations for passenger vessels engaged in daysails. Our captains are all licensed by the USCG to operate the vessel safely, and our crews also meet all USCG regulations.” While maintaining historical accuracy, essential safety gear like life jackets and fire extinguishers are onboard. For comfort, the ship offers ample seating with spectacular views and an onboard bar featuring Boston-made beer and spirits. Knowledgeable and friendly crew members enhance the journey with insights and sailing stories.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Sustainability
The maritime tourism industry faces its share of hurdles. “Like everyone nowadays, rising costs are our biggest challenge,” Sullivan notes, citing high dock costs and insurance. He also points to the increased difficulty in finding qualified crew due to regulatory changes and the shift from informal training to more expensive, mandatory certifications. Despite these challenges, Sullivan highlights their sustainable practices: “We’re a sailboat! We do have a diesel engine on board the boat, but we try to sail as much as possible and turn the engine off whenever we can. It’s not uncommon for us to operate the boat for 10 hours in a day but run the engine for an hour or less.” They also prioritize sourcing local products for their bar and use wood, a sustainable material, for boat maintenance.
Memorable Journeys and Future Horizons
Sailing offers profound experiences, fostering connections and promising a continued legacy for traditional seamanship.
Unforgettable Moments on the Open Water
Sullivan recounts incredible sailing experiences: “I’ve sailed offshore and been so far from land that there is absolutely no light pollution, and the stars are so bright you mistake them for airplane landing lights.” He’s witnessed whales up close, seen bioluminescent oceans, and observed remarkable wildlife. However, “the best experiences are the ones you have with your fellow crew members and passengers. I don’t know why, but even being on a boat for a short time brings people together in a way I haven’t seen anyplace else.” This shared experience highlights the unique appeal of Boston sailing excursions.
Core Values and Future Growth
The core values of Liberty Fleet are clear: “Our core values are to keep the traditional marine arts alive and accessible to the broader public by offering trips aboard a traditional sailing vessel at a reasonable price.” This philosophy guides their operations, from the wooden boat and traditional rigging to the training of their crews in centuries-old sailing techniques. Looking to the future, Sullivan shares ambitious plans: “At the end of the 2024 season, we embarked on a major rebuild of Liberty Star… ensuring her life for another 50 years and, hopefully, a few more circumnavigations.” They are also actively seeking another traditional wooden vessel to expand the fleet, aiming to preserve both the ships and the knowledge of traditional seamanship, sharing the joy and allure of sailing with as many people as possible. With a renewed focus on family-friendly noon sails and adapting to last-minute booking trends, Liberty Fleet is embracing the Boston tourism renaissance.
