Design: Hedley Nichol Voyager Trimaran
Year: 1968
Length: 50 Ft
Width: 24 Ft
A RICH HISTORY IN HAWAII AND BEYOND
Trimaran Free Spirit, came to Hawaii from San Diego in 1973 via the Caribbean and South Pacific. She operated as a sailing club in Hawaii for two decades. By creating community and ocean education opportunities, she has touched countless people's lives. She embodies the spirit of Aloha. We want to continue this tradition.
THE FULL STORY
In 1961 Brian Edelstein was a young man who had never sailed. At that time he was married with 3 young children. One day he found himself aboard Arthur Piver’s NIMBLE (a 30’ sailing trimaran design) on San Francisco Bay, towing water-skiers behind in excess of 20 knots. Brian was hooked. Shortly thereafter he decided to build his first tri, a Piver NIMBLE, hull #8. He completed the project in 1963 and set out to become an accomplished tri sailor.
By 1965 Brian decided to move up, purchasing plans to build a 35’ Piver LODESTAR, which he completed in early 1967. Later that year Brian heard about possible charter opportunities in the Caribbean, so he took a trip to explore the possibilities. He decided to return to Southern California, where supplies were plentiful, and build a larger tri for charter. He selected the plans of Australian designer Hedley Nicol for his 45’ VOYAGER design. Brian then set out to find a residence where he could live and build his boat and still have access to the ocean upon completion. He found just such a home with a 1 year lease in Imperial Beach and planned to begin construction in the back yard that summer of 1968.
Brian modified the design stretching it to 48’ primarily by redesigning the bow shear of the three hulls from a short, blunt “Duckbill” configuration to the present long and narrow shears that so beautifullypeal the spray in thin layers as she cuts the sea. He completed construction and was painting the rudder as the magnificent tri was being towed from the driveway exactly one year later. That day she was christened “Water Gypsy”. The family moved aboard and began the task of commissioning her with all of the necessary standing and running rigging, sails, and hundreds of miscellaneous deck fittings. Altogether, Brian worked 16 hour days for 18 months to complete the project.
They left for the Caribbean in December ’69 and by summer had cruised to the Virgin Island via Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Charter opportunities looked good, so they decided to stay temporarily. For 3 years they chartered day-sails, week cruises and summer camps while their children were home schooled through 7th grade.
In 1972, they decided to return to California by way of the Galapagos Islands in a 37-day, non-stop cruise. After 2 years in California they again set sail, this time for French Polynesia to explore the Marquesas and Tahiti. One year later they dropped anchor in Hilo Bay. There Brian got a degree in Geography from U.H. Hilo. In ’74 they sailed to Oahu and entered the charter business.
In June 1982 “Water Gypsy” was purchased by Frank Wandell, renamed “Free Spirit”, and put into service as the primary club boat for a new venture, the Free Spirit Sailing Systems, an adventure cruising club. In 1992 she was purchased by her current owner, Captain Gordie Morris, who operated the Club for another 10 years logging over 50,000 nautical miles providing inter-island adventure cruises, day-sailing, and advanced sail training for over 400 members. Additionally, Captain Morris founded the Captain’s Club to provide sailing and ocean opportunity to Foster Children. During this period Free Spirit underwent a complete rebirth including major hull renewal, painting, new standing and running rigging, new sails, major engine overhaul, a new keel and rudder design, re-wiring and all new electronics.
When Captain Mike took over the boat in 2025, her knew he wanted to continue the rich tradition and share her with the world. Her standing rigging was completely replaced in 2025 and she is ready for her next chapter!