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About Us

The True North Sailing Charters Crew

Captain Abe Clark at the helm of Echo, confidently navigating the sailing catamaran on calm waters.

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

Owner Josh steering Starling, a 33’ Cheoy Lee Clipper, at the helm during a scenic sailing trip.

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   

Captain Weston on Starling near Basswood Island, navigating calm waters during a scenic Apostle Islands tour.

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 Rick standing at the bow of Starling, a 33’ Cheoy Lee Clipper, docked at the harbor.

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!

Captain Dusty Raatz True North Sailing Charters.jpg

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. 2025 will be Dusty's 4th 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

Captain Abe with his sons, enjoying a family moment on deck during a sailing adventure.

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
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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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