FREELANCE - A Classic American Sailing Yacht

1935 Henry J. Gielow Designed Cutter | 39' on Deck | 49' Overall

For the discerning yachtsman who appreciates the beauty, character, and sailing traditions of a classic wooden yacht, FREELANCE represents a rare opportunity to own a distinguished example of American yacht design and craftsmanship.

Designed in 1935 by noted naval architect Henry J. Gielow and built that same year by New York Yacht, Launch & Engine Co., FREELANCE embodies the graceful proportions, purposeful construction, and seagoing character of the finest traditional sailing yachts of her era.

Her elegant sheerline, classic cutter rig, long overhangs, and substantial displacement reflect a time when sailing yachts were designed not simply for speed, but for seaworthiness, balance, and the satisfaction of sailing a beautifully proportioned vessel.

Built with mahogany planking over oak frames to the waterline and fir planking above, FREELANCE is a testament to traditional wooden yacht construction. Her approximately 26,000-pound displacement, 10'5" beam, and 6'2" draft give her the substantial proportions characteristic of a traditional offshore-capable cruising cutter.

A Classic Cutter for San Francisco Bay

FREELANCE is particularly well suited to the traditions of classic yacht sailing on San Francisco Bay, where her substantial displacement, powerful cutter sail plan, and long waterline when heeled offer appealing characteristics for sailing in the Bay's frequently brisk afternoon winds.

Her cutter configuration provides versatility in sail selection, allowing the sailing crew to balance the yacht for changing wind and sea conditions. Her traditional hull form and substantial displacement offer the reassuring feel and deliberate motion that attract experienced sailors to classic wooden yachts.

FREELANCE is equally at home participating in classic yacht gatherings, Master Mariners events, and spirited sailing along the San Francisco waterfront. With her graceful lines and traditional rig, she is the kind of yacht that attracts admiration whether under full sail or resting quietly at her berth.

The Appeal of Ownership

Ownership of FREELANCE is about more than acquiring a sailing yacht. It is an opportunity to become the next custodian of a remarkable piece of American maritime history.

Classic wooden yachts of this pedigree are appreciated not only for their construction and appearance, but also for the unique sailing experience they provide. The sound of water passing along a traditionally planked hull, the feel of a well-balanced cutter under sail, and the unmistakable beauty of varnished wood and traditional fittings are pleasures that modern production yachts seldom replicate.

For the sailor who values heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality, FREELANCE offers an opportunity to preserve and enjoy a 1935 American classic while continuing her sailing story on San Francisco Bay and beyond.