Please stay tuned as we make major changes to this page to reflect our conversion to operating as a nonprofit organization to benefit Great Lakes Resources.

Prior to the start of the 2013 sailing season, we will have arrangements in place for you to enjoy a personal, recreational sailing excursion on Lake Michigan that will benefit our Conservation-Partnership efforts. We are working with other sailing organizations, charter sail captains and companines throughout the Great Lakes to greatly expand our Great Lakes Sailing-Conservation Partnership. Stay tuned for exciting announcements coming soon!

Sailing Lake Michigan, from the Ports of Southwest, Michigan.

Setting sail from the beautifully scenic Lake Michigan coastline north and south of St. Joseph, Michigan ... we provide the ideal opportunity for you to enjoy Lake Michigan the way it was meant to be ...

Many thanks to all our friends who have sailed with us, making the 2007 - 2012 Sailing Seasons ... Great Times, Great Sailing, and a Great Success!

Every Come Sail Away Charter Sailing Cruise taken during the 2011 and 2012 sailing seasons benefited Great Lakes conservation by helping us establish and build our Keeping the Lakes Great! Partnership. The captained charter sailing cruise rates offered were the best on the Great Lakes! Now, for the same great rates, for your donation to Keeping The Lakes Great you can enjoy your recreational sailing experience on Lake Michigan ... and your contribution will directly support our Great Lakes conservation partnership efforts!

Check back soon and often for Specials, monthly ... weekly ... even daily!

You can contact Captain Rich to workout special sailing packages; such as for multiple sailing trips for sailing lessons; or perhaps a destination cruise to Lake Michigan ports-of-call such as South Haven, Saugatuck, Chicago; at a special, low rate. Let the Captain know your wishes!

You, with the assistance of course of Captain Rich, will custom design what your personal Lake Michigan sailing charter cruise will be. Certainly Mother Nature will have a hand in these plans ... which is part of the beauty of sailing ... working with nature ... and is what makes each and every sail a unique and memorable experience.

Our sailing cruises will provide limitless opportunities to provide you, area visitors, residents, your customers, clients, and employees a fun, safe, unique opportunity to experience and enjoy our local, globally significant and magnificent resource ... Lake Michigan, the way it was meant to be ... on the waves!

The Captain takes most seriously his responsibility to assure your safety and comfort level. He will also strive to make available to you for your enjoyment his passion for the St. Joseph area, Lake Michigan, the Great Lakes ecosystem, and sailing.

The following package rates are per cruise, and are for your entire, privat group. Friday night Sunset and Moonlight Cruises are at the weekend rate, and Sunday night Sunset and Moonlight Cruises are at the weekday rate.

Be sure to reserve your Sailing Package early as
Premium Time Slots (Weekends & Holidays) go quickly!

All our Sailing Packages are available via secure ordering using PayPal.

Sailing Packages Weekdays Weekends Half Day Cruise Approx 4 hrs; 10am - 2pm, or 12pm - 4pm Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $325 $455 $725 Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $475 $595 $875 Full Day Cruise Approx 6.5 hrs; 10am - 4pm Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $495 $625 $925 Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $595 $675 $975 Business Lunch Cruise Approx 2 hrs Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $225 $375 $625 Passengers / Donation Not Available Not Available Not Available Short Introduction to Sailing Approx 1.5 hrs Sail and/or motor cruise for those new to recreational sailing Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $195 $275 $425 Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $395 $525 $675 Sunset Cruise Approx 3 hrs, Departing 2 - 3 hours before sunset Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $325 $475 $795 Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $425 $595 $875 Moonlight Cruise Approx 3 hrs Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $375 $525 $825 Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 9 $525 $675 $975 Introductory Sailing Lessons Approx 3 hrs * 3 trip min. for reduced rate Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 Not Available $255/trip* $295 $375/trip* $425 Passengers / Donation 1 - 4 5 - 6 Not Available $355/trip* $425 $525/trip* $595

Your Cruise balance will be due on or before the day of your sail.

Captain Rich puts your safety and comfort level first and foremost. If there is any chance of adverse, unsafe weather or lake conditions, S/V Third Coast will not leave port, and you will receive a full refund. If wave conditions are from over two feet to four feet, the Captain will give you the option to reschedule.

What We Provide For You: Our Sailing Vessel 'Third Coast' is a well built, safe, extremely clean, sturdy yet quick and responsive sailboat. Third Coast takes the waves and weather very well, and is a very easily sailed vessel, and a great sailboat to learn to sail on.

She is very well equipped with many updated safety features, new electronics, new stereo system, and new sailing rigging. USCG Type I Offshore Survival Life Jackets with attached strobe lights are provided for every adult passenger, as well as two youth sized Type I jackets with lights. We also have an assortment of swimming rafts and boogie boards for your use.

There is a head (restroom for the landlubbers), galley, refrigerator/freezer, and running water aboard.

S/V Third Coast meets or exceeds all U.S. Coast Guard sail chartering guidelines and requirements, and (move word 'annually' as indicated) is inspected and certified annually to meet stringent standards to be a Great Lakes sailing charter vessel by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

*** What to Bring for Your Voyage on S/V Third Coast ***