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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. 2025 will be Abe's 7th season sailing on Lake Superior.
Captain Clark has enjoyed a life of adventures that includes running 3,000 miles across America, biking 9,000 miles around the perimeter as well as sailing 3,000 miles from Bayfield to the Florida Keys. 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 | Everglades Boater Education / CPR, AED
Position at True North Sailing:
Pirate Admiral
The pirate admiral holds senior authority over a fleet of ships, coordinating navigation, provisioning, and overall strategy across multiple crews. Often recognized for their experience, steady judgment, and ability to unite independent captains, the admiral’s role is less about enforcing power and more about maintaining cooperation and ensuring successful voyages.
More than just a seasoned captain, the admiral oversees large-scale operations, manages shared resources, and sets strategy across multiple vessels. Admirals often pursue broader ambitions—expanding the fleet, forging alliances, or establishing pirate territories, balancing individual autonomy with fleet-wide cohesion to keep operations running smoothly.
Owner / Captain Josh Clark hails from the sea kayak guiding and instructional world, with over ten years of experience leading thousands of guests through the waters and channels of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. He brings organizational, administrative, and customer support skills to the business, grounded in years of hands-on guiding and a deep connection to the Great Lakes.
In addition to his background in kayaking, Josh has spent the past five years working in the sailing industry, contributing to both day trips and multi-day coastal adventures. He also works in e-commerce and real estate in Duluth, Minnesota, where he and his wife Britta help operate the sister outfitter, Whitecap Kayak.
OUPV Near Coastal License / ACA Level 4 Sea Kayak Instructor | Wilderness First Responder | Certified Professional Food Manager
Position at True North Sailing:
Quartermaster
The quartermaster is responsible for the fleet's internal operations and the fair management of supplies, labor, and crew concerns. As the captain’s principal officer, the quartermaster ensures the fleet is well-stocked, the sails and rigging are maintained, and daily tasks are carried out efficiently.
They represent the crew in matters of fairness and discipline and handle the distribution of food, water, and, when earned, plunder. Trusted for their organizational skill and practical seamanship, they keep the ship running and the crew in working order from one voyage to the next.
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
Position at True North Sailing
Pirate Captain
The pirate captain is the leader responsible for the overall command and operation of the ship. Chosen for navigational skill, sailing experience, and the ability to maintain order, the captain directs daily operations at sea, sets the course, and makes decisions during times of uncertainty or danger.
While they hold authority during voyages, their power is balanced by the crew, with key matters decided by vote. A capable captain keeps the ship seaworthy, the crew working in coordination, and the voyage on course—through calm waters and storms alike.
Captain Rick Egge is a lover of sailing, music, adventure, travel, and family. With many years of experience on Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands I continue to be in awe of this majestic water. Recently retired, having spent most of my career in customer service, my goal will be to make your experience at True North remarkable, memorable, and safe. Come out and join us on the big lake!
Captain Egge also operates canal boat adventure and sightseeing trips in Europe. Reach out to him at RCTravelfr@gmail.com for more information!
Position at True North Sailing
Pirate Captain
The pirate captain is the leader responsible for the overall command and operation of the ship. Chosen for navigational skill, sailing experience, and the ability to maintain order, the captain directs daily operations at sea, sets the course, and makes decisions during times of uncertainty or danger.
While they hold authority during voyages, their power is balanced by the crew, with key matters decided by vote. A capable captain keeps the ship seaworthy, the crew working in coordination, and the voyage on course—through calm waters and storms alike.
Position at True North Sailing
Pirate Captain
The pirate captain is the leader responsible for the overall command and operation of the ship. Chosen for navigational skill, sailing experience, and the ability to maintain order, the captain directs daily operations at sea, sets the course, and makes decisions during times of uncertainty or danger.
While they hold authority during voyages, their power is balanced by the crew, with key matters decided by vote. A capable captain keeps the ship seaworthy, the crew working in coordination, and the voyage on course—through calm waters and storms alike.
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 leading ocean expeditions in the Florida Keys at the Boy Scouts of America National Sea Base, Dusty has a wealth of experience and stories. Whether sticking his paddle in the waters of the US Virgin Islands, hoisting sails in Tahiti, piloting a mail boat off the rugged coast of Maine, 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.
Dusty has extensive experience delivering sailboats along both coastal and inland waters, and has captained a wide variety of both sailing and power vessels. 2025 will be Dusty's fourth 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
Position at True North Sailing
Cabin Boys
The cabin boy is the youngest member of the crew learning the ways of life at sea. Assigned to assist the captain and officers, the cabin boy runs errands, delivers messages, keeps quarters clean, and helps with meals or minor tasks on deck. Though not yet a full sailor, the cabin boy gains firsthand experience in ship operations, discipline, and daily life aboard. With time, training, and resilience, the cabin boy may rise through the ranks to become a seasoned mariner.
SAY HELLO
OUR LOCATION
HOURS OF OPERATION
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily
Open Seasonally May - October