Schooner Liberty Clipper Bahamas

Liberty Clipper, a newly renovated gaff-rigged schooner, is a replica of the renowned Baltimore Clippers, made famous over a century ago for their speedy and safe rounding of Cape Horn on expeditions to the California Gold Rush. Her authentic design is exceeded only by a state-of-the-art galley, modern accommodations for up to 24 guests, and a newly adorned grand salon. Each of our windjammer cruises is a once-in a lifetime sailing vacation where daily, you wake to the smell of freshly prepared meals from your home on the sea. Nothing compares to setting sail each morning for a new harbor and a new adventure.

The Liberty Clipper is a 125-ft. tall ship, pictured to the left under full sail. During your windjammer cruise, you have access to your private cabin below deck as well as all common areas of the vessel. On a ship this size, you’re always able to find a quiet place to yourself. You’re invited to help the crew sail the ship by raising sails or even taking a turn at the helm under the careful supervision of our experienced, US Coast Guard licensed captain! Make the ship your home, explore and enjoy your sailing cruise!

The Liberty Clipper is rigged as a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. She carries three head-sails, or jibs. In addition, the sailing ship has a fore-sail and main-sail. The Liberty Clipper’s size ensures your safety and comfort aboard during your sailing vacation. You’re able to enjoy your time on the main deck during the day without having to worry about the sails. If you prefer shade, you can always move to an area of the vessel in the shadow of a sail or spar.

Your stay aboard the Liberty Clipper will be comfortable and enjoyable. You’ll notice the attention to detail and care with which the ship is maintained – this same level of care is offered to all our guests. The Liberty Clipper was designed for Windjammer Cruises and specifically configured to maximize your comfort and enjoyment.  The ship has 12 cabins with accommodation for 24 guests. While she is a modern built vessel, her interiors have been lovingly styled with beautiful woodwork finishes to provide a warm and traditional tall ship feel.  Her cabins are rustic and cozy to match the adventurous nature of her cruises!

On deck you will have plenty of space to find a comfortable spot to enjoy ocean breezes or get lost in a book. With the sails up, we always have shade over half the deck, and at anchor a large canopy covers the midship area to give you relief from the sun without having to retreat down below.

From our cozy cabins to our grand salon, find the Liberty Clipper as comfortable below deck as she is enjoyable above! Nearly half of her 12 guest cabins are EnSuites with a private attached toilet and shower room, meaning you have plenty of options to choose from depending on budget and privacy needs. Our spacious grand salon features comfortable cushioned benches, a shared bathroom, and small library. Skylights bring in natural light and ventilation in each cabin and the salon.

Below Deck Layout of the Liberty Clipper

Our three cabin options provide a range to accommodate all kinds of travelers – from couples celebrating an anniversary to solo travelers looking for an adventure at minimum cost, there’s something for everyone. Each cabin is appointed with yellow pine paneling providing a warm and comfortable feel. Each cabin aboard the Liberty Clipper includes a sink with hot and cold running water, and the ship has 110-volt outlets to charge your camera and other electrical devices. Each bunk also has a reading light. Just imagine reading yourself to sleep, after a wonderful home cooked meal, to the sound of the water lapping gently at the hull… You’re sure to feel transported back to simpler days while on your sailing vacation cruise!

Standard Cabin

(Rooms 9, 10, 11, 12)

Our cozy standard cabins are located on the port and starboard sides of the midship area.  They have two single-size bunks and close access to a shared head (bathroom).

Premium Cabin

(Rooms 1, 3, 4)

Slightly larger than our standard cabins, Premium cabins feature a single sized lower bunk and wider top bunk, which is large enough for two average adults to cozy up together! These cabins share a bathroom in the forward part of the ship.

EnSuite Cabin

(Rooms 2, 7, 8, 14*, 15*)

These cabins come with a private attached toilet and shower room for guests who desire a little extra privacy on their trip. There is a wider bed as in our Premium cabins, however it is on the lower bunk. These cabins are a great option for couples!

Each cabin is outfitted with:

• Two bunks
• Linens and blankets
• Pillows
• Bath towels
• Beach towels
• Sink with Hot and Cold Water
• Hanging hooks
• 110v outlets
• Reading light for each bunk
• Skylight
• Fans

During your sailing cruise, you have access to our other fleet of small boats! We consider our tall ships cruises as “beach and boating” vacations – we have a large variety of activities to keep you either rested or busy, whatever your pace, we’re here to help you have a great trip.

Snorkeling

The Bahamas are home to some of the most beautiful blue waters in the world.  It’s a perfect place to get wet and as the waters are shallow, most places we visit are under ten-feet deep, so even without SCUBA tanks, you can see it all!

Kayaking

Explore the surrounding waters at your own pace utilizing our sit-on-top sea kayaks!  Check out coves, cays, and shorelines up close!

Dinghy Sailing

If you want to get out on your own for a bit, our crew can teach you how to sail our dinghy, lovingly built by a Maine craftsman specifically for our windjammer cruises.

Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP)

Test your balance on our stand up paddle board. Have a blast paddling around, morning, noon, and sunset, it’s always a great time for a paddle on our SUP.

The Liberty Windjammer Fleet offers the only US-Flag and US-Crewed tall ship windjammer cruises in the Bahamas and Caribbean. Your safety is always our number one priority, so rest assured that the Schooner Liberty Clipper exceeds all required United States Coast Guard Safety and Crew Training Requirements. The Liberty Fleet is a company founded by professional sailors – the owner is himself a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, holds an unlimited tonnage US Coast Guard license, and understands and respects the unique demands of the sea upon both ships and crew.

Liberty Clipper proudly flies a US Flag at her mast-head. We take great pride in maintaining our ship to the highest safety standards.

Safety Equipment

Liberty Clipper is equipped with modern emergency communications equipment, emergency medical equipment, and American citizen crew members who are trained in emergency response techniques. Furthermore, we have USCG inspected TYPE-1 Life Preservers, SOLAS approved Life-Rafts that are inspected and certified annually by the manufacturer, life-rings, a fully Coast Guard inspected fire-fighting system, and most importantly the training to effectively use this equipment.

Liberty Clipper Staffing

A strong crew is always the most important aspect of any vessel’s safety program. The Liberty Clipper’s professional crew is led by our US Coast Guard licensed captains who are all highly qualified professional mariners with a minimum of 720-days of sea-going experience on similarly sized vessels; this typically reflects 4-5 years of industry experience. We also carry a licensed mate with a minimum of 360-days of sea-going experience on similarly sized vessels.

What is the U.S. difference?

While each country has its own vessel registry safety and inspection requirements, they are not all created equal. Typically, European nations have a strong maritime tradition and maintain competitive safety standards with the United States. Most non-US flag vessels, however, are registered under a “Flag of Convenience.” Simply stated, this applies to those vessels under Panamanian, Monrovian, and other similar flags. There are many reasons to register a ship under a foreign flag including: avoidance of taxes, avoidance of liability for injury, lower labor costs, and lack of inspection and safety oversight to save money. Most developed nations maintain a watch-list for “flag of convenience vessels” visiting their territorial waters.

Inspired by the famous Baltimore Clippers of the 19th century, the Liberty Clipper was designed by Charles Wittholz and built in 1983 at the Blount Shipyard in Rhode Island.

Baltimore Clipper ships were typically two-masted schooners that worked as trade vessels along the coast of North America and the Caribbean. Known for their speed, many of these vessels were used as privateers during the American Revolution and War of 1812 and successfully outran many large warships and made it through naval blockades.