Freedom 35 Cat Ketch, But a Sloop?

[Marcus Bluebird]

Hi everyone,

I have been looking for long-distance capable sailboats for the last couple years to begin my own worldwide sailing adventure.

I came across a real oddity and wondered if anyone on the forums would have knowledge of whether Freedom 35's (the Gary Hoyt design) were made as sloops WITH standing rigging (shrouds attached externally)? The boat in question is located in Italy, has a completely traditional railed mast system with a roller furling jib sail (see pictures).

I have read about larger Freedom cat ketches over the years and how their owners eventually have played around with their rigs when the carbon fiber masts became questionable or failed.

Does the 35 in question represent a custom "conversion"? If so, is there any precedent for this conversion? Can anyone comment on the performance and durability of the sloop rig, as the ketch boats had very specific reinforcement on the decks around the mast hole.

All information much appreciated!

Best,

Marcus