_edited.png)
About Us
The True North Sailing Charters Crew
Owner / Captain Abe Clark pursuit of sailing began on Lake Michigan before moving to Washington to live in the San Juan Islands. Drawn to the liveaboard lifestyle Abe and his family lived aboard a 74 foot schooner before selling the boat to start True North Sailing Charters with a 50 foot Gaff Cutter. After thoroughly exploring the area Captain Clark and his family moved back to Wisconsin. Partnering with his brother Josh to relaunch True North Sailing Charters on Lake Superior has been a venture that has been brewing for decades. 2023 will be Abe's 5th season sailing on Lake Superior.
In his earlier days Captain Clark enjoyed a spree of adventures that included running 3,000 miles across America and biking 9,000 miles around the perimeter. He loves to introduce people to the magic of sailing and exploring at the pace God intended us to live!
Master 50 Ton USCG Captains License with Sailing and Towing Endorsements
Wilderness First Responder | CPR, AED
Owner / Deckhand Josh Clark Hails from the Sea Kayak guiding and instructional world and has guided thousands of guests on the waters and channels of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior in his eight years as a Sea Kayak Guide. Josh provides organizational, administrative, and customer support for the business.
Josh works in e-commerce and real estate in Ashland where he and his wife Britta also help operate our sister outfitter Whitecap Kayak.
ACA Level 4 Sea Kayak Instructor | Wilderness First Responder | Certified Professional Food Manager
Captain Weston Thier was born and raised in Bayfield. He has a passion for being on the water. Originally, that almost always manifested itself in some form of fishing, but after receiving his captain’s license in 2018, he branched off into other nautical endeavors, and began his career as a sailing captain. Being born on Lake Superior, he had a front row seat to its charms and awesome power. Being able to teach people about the area in which he grew up is a dream come true. His outgoing, friendly personality allows him to connect with people from all walks of life from all over the globe.
When not sailing with True North Sailing Charters Weston is busy operating his own business, Fontinalis Flyfishing. Check out his Spring and Fall trips at www.fontinalisflyfishing.com or follow along on instagram @fontinalis_flyfishing
USCG Master's License - 100 Ton | First Aid/CPR Certified | Licensed Wisconsin Fishing Guide
Captain Dusty Raatz has sailed the Western Caribbean and parts of the South Pacific as part of the World ARC Rally. Having also spent several years on staff at the Boy Scouts of America National Sea Base in Florida Dusty has a wealth of experience and stories. Whether sticking his paddle in the waters of the US Virgin Islands, hoisting sails in Tahiti or stomping his boots from Mount Whitney of the High Sierras to Mount Katahdin of the Appalachians as an Interpretive Naturalist he has led and connected many people of all ages with nature. Captain Raatz's wife Erin may join him as deckhand on occasion when not guiding with Whitecap Kayak. 2023 will be Dusty's 3rd season sailing on Lake Superior.
In addition to his USCG Captains License, Captain Raatz also has obtained several other certifications that keep our guests in safe hands on the occasionally wild Lake Superior.
USCG Captains License | PADI Open Water Diver | Eagle Scout | Wilderness First Responder | CPR, AED | Safe Swim Defense | Safety Afloat | Hazardous Weather Training
Cabin Boys - Jonah and Foster Clark grew up sailing and living on sailboats. Their swab bucket dog is named Champ. If they are stowed away they may occasionally wander out on the deck to look for more snacks.
North Coast Sailing Camp Graduates | Taekwondo - Yellow Belts | Swim Lessons - Tadpoles
SAY HELLO
OUR LOCATION
HOURS OF OPERATION
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily
Open Seasonally May - October