
Zoe Moncheur, a Co-owner of “Liberty Clipper” a Schooner Hauled Out at Portand Yacht Services, 100 West Commercial Street Portland, Last Fall for Restoration Purposes Before Returning to Carrying Passengers.
The schooner “Liberty Clipper” whose home port has been Boston for the past thirty years, was hauled at Portland Yacht Services last fall following her purchase from the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships Boston – by her new co-owners.
Zoe Moncheur, an attorney who grew up in New Zealand and Captain Dylan Salzmann, of Blue Hill, purchased this 125 ft. gaff rigged schooner planning to do preservation wotk on her and get her back into Boston Harbor. carrying passengers once again. Her last US Coast Guard inspection licensed her to carry 95 passengers. She sleeps up to 24 guests. “Liberty Clipper” has a steel hull.
For other boat nerds, she was built in 1983 by Blount Marina in Rhode Island. The architect is Charles Witholz. Of particular interest to this nerd was the discovery that this schooner has a centerboard – a characteristic usually reserved for much smaller sailbotas. Boats used in shallow water – like lakes. According to Zoe, “Liberty Clipper” wintered in the shallow waters of the Bahamas. When the centerboard is down, she draws 13 feet.
“Currently we are fund raising for “Liberty Clipper” as well as preserving her for the future,” said Zoe, 31, who is experienced in the field of fund raising for yachts . Her law degree helps her to understand international maritime safety standards as well as providing her with a good knowledge of maritime history. “We want to continue to operate out of Boston and eventually expand her into Maine,” said Zoe.