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The Fleet

About our Boats

The bow of Starling, a 33’ Cheoy Lee Clipper, docked at the slip in Bayfield Harbor on a sunny day.

"Starling" is a 33' Cheoy Lee Clipper designed by A.E. Bill Luders Jr. and built in Hong Kong in 1972.  Original teak decks, two sitka spruce masts, and elegant lines make for a classic maritime experience as you step aboard this ketch rigged beauty.  Starling has called Bayfield home for all of her life sailing the waters and channels of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Lake Superior for the past 50 years under three different owners.  

 

The ketch rig is particularly suitable for Lake Superiors notoriously variable wind and weather making multiple sail options a "breeze" from a billowing drifter setup for light wind days to a dependable favorite for heavier weather, the"Jib and Jigger" two sail combo. This hard working vessel provides a forgiving sail for beginners, is not afraid of heavy seas, and will really shine under a stiff beam reach.  

 

An updated suite of Raymarine electronics provides reliable data while her electric motor installed in 2021 provides a quiet ride out of the slip and allows for quick and easy engagement of auxiliary power when needed.  

 

U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessel with Coastwise Endorsement / MARAD Small Vessel Waiver 

LOA: 33' / Beam: 10' / Draft 4' / Displacement 12,000 lbs

Catamaran Piper sailing toward the Long Island Lighthouse during a scenic tour on Lake Superior.

"Piper" is a 26.5' Aquilon Catamaran designed by Paul Stanek and built in the USA in 1999.  The multihull sailboat incorporates high performance with stability. Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, you'll feel safe with children and/or parents on board this level sailing cat. 

 

We are thrilled to be able to offer this type of sailing experience to our guests. Her quick cruising speeds and shallow draft will shine bright on our longer summer trips. There are so many unique places in these remote islands. Piper will help us explore multiple destinations as time and weather allow!

LOA: 26.5' / Beam: 14' / Draft 2' / Displacement 1,874 lbs

Friends relaxing and chatting on the front trampoline of Piper during a scenic sailing trip.
View from the bow of Piper at sunset, capturing vibrant skies and calm waters during a scenic sailing tour.
The Long Island boardwalk in the Apostle Islands, surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters.
Catamaran Piper anchored near the Long Island Lighthouse, surrounded by calm Lake Superior waters.
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"True North Taxi" is a 15' Whaly 455R, a rugged, dependable vessel built for both comfort and safety on Lake Superior. Made from double-walled high-density polyethylene, this boat is virtually unsinkable and incredibly stable—even in choppy waters. It’s used by rescue crews and harbor patrols around the world, which gives us (and our passengers) extra confidence out on the lake.

We love the Whaly 455R for its open layout, shallow draft, and smooth ride. It can pull right up to beaches, docks, or remote shoreline spots—making it perfect for accessing places the ferry can’t reach. There’s plenty of room for passengers, gear, and even the family dog.

LOA: 15' / Beam: 6' / Draft 10"

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SAY HELLO
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OUR LOCATION
HOURS OF OPERATION

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily

Open Seasonally May - October

© 2025 by True North Sailing Charters

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