The amazing Schooner Jolly II Rover is proudly owned by Bill Malone and is operated out of Key West’s Historic Seaport. He purchased the Jolly II Rover in 2003 to fulfill a lifelong dream of operating a classic, square rigged, topsail schooner.
At the time of purchase, the Jolly Rover was in Fort Myers, Florida. With the help of enthusiastic friends, Bill sailed the Jolly Rover back to his adopted home of New Orleans. With his new team, “The Pirates of Lake Pontchartrain” he offered day and evening sails on Lake Pontchartrain with daily sailing trips, sunset sails and sailing charters.
Several years later you could say that fate intervened. Hurricane Katrina passed through New Orleans and blew the Jolly II Rover back to Florida where the tall ship belongs – among the traditional sailing ships, both mercenary and merchant, of the Historic Seaport of Key West.
Follow the Adventures of the Jolly Rover!
Over the years, the Schooner Jolly Rover has been featured in countless magazines, newspapers and blogs for our iconic red sails and legendary sunset cruises. We have hand picked several of our favorite articles from USA Today, National Geographic and more.
Follow Our Adventures
Schooner Jolly Rover Details
The tall ship Schooner Jolly II Rover was designed by Naval Architect Meritt Walter as a mercenary vessel and was built in 1994 by Bock Marine of Beaufort, North Carolina. The Rover’s hull is constructed out of steel and at 80′ long with her trademarks sails, topmast and square rig she is a magnificent sight under sail as well as sitting quietly dockside. You can learn more about Meritt Walter and his designs, including the Jolly 2 Rover, at www.roverschooners.com
For a little extra history on what brought The Jolly Rover the the Key West Historic Seaport check out “North Shore icon finds a new home in Key West” from the Greater New Orleans Times Picayne Newspaper.
