shawn - captain
The Man…the Myth…the Legend…the Captain! Born with a heart of gold and go-go-gadget arms that can do anything and fix everything, Shawn has worked in the Plastics industry for over 22 years with a focus on factory automation. Being a licensed USCG Master 100 Ton Captain with an engineering mindset, he loves nothing more than firing up Freedom’s engine and leaving the dock behind. He runs a tight ship (pun intended) managing 100% of everything required of a boat owner from engine maintenance to waxing the hull to SO MUCH MORE… He’s got a big smile and big dreams of circumnavigating the globe with Freedom.
elizabeth - CO-captain
Behind every great Captain is a great Co-Captain! After years of being First Mate, Elizabeth became a licensed USCG Master 100 Ton Yacht Captain in March 2021 to support Shawn as they prepare to circumnavigating the globe. After enjoying a successful 14-year career in Merchandising Planning & Technology, Elizabeth took a sabbatical to “stop and smell the roses” for a bit. When Covid delayed their cruising plans, she joined a retail start-up working 100% remotely before leaving in 2022 to focus her energy on yachting and full-time cruising. When she’s not hiking, walking the pups, listening to podcasts, or reading about world cruising routes, Elizabeth can be found behind a camera capturing content to share on their YouTube channel - MV FREEDOM.
sandy - boat dog #1
IN LOVING MEMORY of the world’s best dog! Boarding her first vessel, Tide the Knot, as a wee little puppy back in 2006, Sandy lived the good life with us for nearly 14 years. She was a yellow Labrador Retriever with a passion for swimming, chicken, riding in the dingy (a.k.a. “her boat”) and exploring new destinations with her mommy, daddy & little brother. It wasn’t until she began cruising on our Nordhavn 43 that she finally calmed down and stopped panting while underway. We think it’s because she felt more comfy tucked away in the quiet pilothouse while still being able see the sights through the salon windows. She was truly a one-of-a-kind and will live on in our hearts forever (1.06.06 - 12.10.19). We love you Sandy!
Mr. Sully - Boat Dog #2
Joining our family in August of 2017, Sully (short for Sullivan) is a tiny pup with a huge personality and has become the little boss of us all. Thus, we call him Mr. Sully! Mr. Sully came to Seattle on a bus after being rescued from a high kill shelter in San Bernardino, CA thanks to Dog Gone Seattle (DGS), a local foster-based dog rescue saving precious little lives. We are forever grateful to Jenny, a.k.a. “Jennifer from Ballard,” and the amazing team of foster parents connecting little pups with animal lovers like us. Mr. Sully got his first life jacket the night he arrived in his new forever home, and the rest is history. He loves treats, his mommy and daddy, and he especially loved his big sister Sandy who taught him how to be a very good boat dog! While underway aboard Freedom, Mr. Sully can always be found on Shawn’s lap enjoying big views and a good snuggle. When he’s not at the helm, Sully can now be found kissing his little sister Martha’s ears and enjoying chicken treats!
Miss martha - Boat Dog #3
Miss Martha is the newest addition to the Freedom crew coming aboard on November 1st, 2021. Miss Martha is a petite Chihuahua weighing in at only 6.2 lbs, perfectly sized for life aboard a 43 foot vessel. After spending the first 2 years of her life living a less-than-perfect life, little baby Martha, along with her 6 siblings, was surrendered to a high kill shelter in San Bernardino, CA and relocated to the Pacific Northwest thanks to Dog Gone Seattle (DGS), a local foster-based dog rescue saving precious little lives. When we spotted her big ears and beautiful eyes on their website one evening, we knew we had to meet this little lady. Within a few days time, Shawn, Mr. Sully and I met Martha at her loving foster home near our home port, and the rest was history! After nearly 2 years of grieving over the passing of our #1 girl doggy, Sandy, we had finally found another ray of sunshine to complete our family of 4. Miss Martha is now our #1 “small girl doggy” and brings tons of laughter to her new family with her spunky personality, cute wiggles and mad boating skills.
