The Freedom Yacht series built in Rhode Island by Tillotson Pearson shook up the yacht design and building industry by using innovative thinking “out of the box” similar to what Tesla has done to the motor industry. From carbon un-stayed rigs to self tacking sails to cat ketches to centerboards, the Gary Hoyt team was always keeping the industry guessing as to “what is next”. 

Tillotson-Pearson Inc.(TPI), were leaders in the development of coring for hull structures and carbon fiber for light stiff laminates and builder of J boats, Etchells, etc. Cored hulls reduce weight add strength, thermal and acoustical insulation. 

The Freedom 33 Cat Ketch went through several design evolutions including changing out the centerboard for a fixed keel and  discarding the sleeved sails for tracks and batten cars. Beluga is of the updated design. The one piece carbon fiber masts fitted with sail tracks are 30% lighter though stiffer than previous two piece aluminum masts, reducing weight aloft, pitching and increasing performance. With no shrouds; howling in the rigging is eliminated as well deck stress/leaks from chain plates.

With all lines leading to the cockpit, sailing the cat ketch is simplicity itself:  hoist the sails, slacken the lazy jacks and sheet in, turn the wheel to tack. No winch grinding is necessary and multiple sails are not filling the V berth and should the wind increase, throw a in a reef from the cockpit.

A waterline length of 30ft allows her to sail comfortably at speeds regularly exceeding 7kts.

Practical Sailor said of the Freedom 33:  “The aesthetic impression created by the interior joiner work is among the best we have had in any production boat. The warmth and illusion of spaciousness imparted by these light colored woods will appeal to many sailors. It certainly does to us”.

Beluga is a decent example of the Freedom 33 model though she does suffer from some of the fine gelcoat crazing that many of these boat were known to suffer from.  Recent upgrades to make cruising more comfortable include the addition of an electric windlass with cockpit remote control, new refrigeration, new marine head and a Raymarine autopilot. 

Beluga has recently been cruising on the US East coast but the owners have had to return to work for a while, so decided to sell. She is on the hard in Deltaville but is itching to head for the horizon.