Originating in the United States during the 1970s, Freedom boats revolutionised the sailing industry with their free-standing rig designs. The company was founded by Garry Hoyt, an inventive and passionate sailor, named his venture after his quest for "freedom" on the water. Hoyt sought to innovate and enrich the sailing experience by designing boats that were easy to manoeuvre, offering new possibilities to everyday sailors. The Freedom 40, the brand's ever iconic model, debuted in 1976 creating a splash in the sailing community with its innovation and execution.
As Hoyt began to reap success with Freedom boats in the United States, they received a warm reception on the foreign shores as well. To meet the growing global demand, a UK-based branch was established, extending the company’s reach internationally. Over the decades, the company underwent several ownership changes, each time further refining and adding to the Freedom legacy. Despite these changes, the Freedom spirit of innovative design and rich maritime craftsmanship persevered.
Currently, Freedom boats are produced by Tillotson Pearson, a company well-regarded for manufacturing high-quality fibreglass composites. The manufacturing base is in Rhode Island, USA, where Freedom boats continue to be built with the same dedication and ethos upon which this iconic brand was founded. Although Hoyt is no longer directly involved in the company, the brand maintains the Freedom tradition of innovation, designing boats that are easy to handle and exciting to sail. Even today, Freedom boats continue to thrive as true blue-water cruisers, capturing the imagination of sailors worldwide.