Tirante - True North Sailing Company

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Tirante - True North Sailing Company Home of Tirante, a classic 1965 Rhodes Reliant 41’ yawl. (Bookings open Spring 2027)

Offering private sailing charters for small groups & special occasions with True North Sailing Co. ⛵✨ Launching Summer 2027!

10/13/2026

The worst part is knowing there’s not much you can do except watch.

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10/11/2026

It’s a great fit! But…it’s in Michigan. We picked it up this afternoon and headed back to Dunkirk now. Incredible price and worth the drive.

The Crew Shop is OPEN! ⚓Tees, hoodies, hats, beanies, mugs, koozies, beach towels and throws, all with our Nautical Cres...
10/09/2026

The Crew Shop is OPEN! ⚓

Tees, hoodies, hats, beanies, mugs, koozies, beach towels and throws, all with our Nautical Crest. Every purchase helps get Tirante and our little charter company under sail on Lake Erie. Thank you for supporting our small business!

🛒 Shop now: true-north-sailing-company-shop.fourthwall.com (Instagram: link in bio)

10/07/2026

Sneak peek!

The Crew Shop opens on Friday! Tees, hats, mugs, stickers…plus some fun beach towels and throws too. So many ways to support our small business. And I'm adding more every day.

Good morning from Key West Marina, A-Dock!!! The roosters ensured that I didn’t sleep past my alarm ‼️ We docked right i...
10/04/2026

Good morning from Key West Marina, A-Dock!!!

The roosters ensured that I didn’t sleep past my alarm ‼️

We docked right in the middle of town with an exceptional view. Finally some people came by and complimented Windigo. We must have looked like a scene coming in yesterday afternoon, cheering as we fastened the dock lines and stepped off into this tropical destination.

Evan was in need of a cheeseburger in paradise and I was ready for a plate of oysters and ice cold b**r. It was so incredibly hot and humid. I don’t think I stopped sweating, yet!

We motley crew of pirates invaded Key West and started at the famous Half Shell Raw Bar, conveniently located, directly next to the boat. After some food in us we set out to raid Duval St for more libations. Sloppy Joes, Captain Tony’s and the Whistle Bar are the mandatory stops whenever you're in Key West. The legendary Blue Heaven was closed for holiday sadly.

And well, it’s bittersweet, but I’ve said farewell to my crew mates and I’m returning home today.

This trip has been an absolute amazing experience full of adventure with some fine men that I’ve had the privilege to happen upon. A greenhorn crew took to sea and arrived sailors. I feel like I have been living my life like a Jimmy Buffett song. I’m so grateful for having been able to take this voyage.

I have learned so much from these experiences I have accomplished what I have set out to do. I also have to prepare Tirante for her layup on the hard coming very soon and has already been delayed a week.

I'm now sitting in the new airport terminal in Key West, but it is a far cry from the original. It looks and sounds just like every other airport in the world. I’m so glad that I was able to be here and see the original not too long ago. That was a special place that had changed. I don’t think I like it. In fact I don’t. “We” are in such a hurry to destroy our past to look modern that we lose important pieces of history. It was worth mentioning. But it is nice in the air conditioning!

After last nights fun,

"I knew I could use a Bloody Mary, so I stumbled next door to the bar. And now I must confess, I can use some rest." Jimmy Buffet

I pray for fair winds and following seas and a safe passage to Pensacola for the rest of the crew of Windigo!!

Bon voyage. Bon chance.
Au revoir mes Ami’s

Thank you all for following along and I’ll keep updating with the progress on Windigo. What now? I start working on Tirante. Thank you for your prayers and support. – Kyle

SISTER SHIP • Delivering Windigo – Friday, Day 6 & morning of the 7thYesterday morning started out with some adventure.W...
10/03/2026

SISTER SHIP • Delivering Windigo – Friday, Day 6 & morning of the 7th
Yesterday morning started out with some adventure.

We left our anchorage and headed to the nearest fuel dock literally on fumes, as Clayton continuously pumped pure oil into the engine to keep us running. The good captain managed to get us to the dock, and it's a good thing this dock just happened to be so close — tragedy averted. However, this dock does not have fresh water.
Of course, we were nestled in between some unbelievable mega yachts, and I think we know why we have not gotten a very warm reception in this area: we are the closest thing to pirates these people have ever come across. So, with that in mind, we got some coffee percolating and got underway. Hopeful to find a dock with fresh water — if not, it's only a little over a day-long sail to Key West. (We did find fresh water!)

The adventure absolutely continues. There is never a dull moment, from rum, to catching bullhead out of the lagoon, to coming into the fuel dock running on oil between two mega yachts. This will be a trip to remember.

Adios, Miami! We left the ICW and headed back out to sea!! It's hot hot hot out! Thankfully with a repaired jib. Good as new.

And then — we ran up on a sand bar!!! Stuck! She was lying to her starboard, which gave us a chance to get some fishing line off the prop. Tow Boat US came and gave us an assist back into deep water, and we were once again making way.

The wind picked up overnight and we were making 7–8 knots all night, gusting up to 24 and rolling in following seas. Rocky trip, but fast!!

Fast forward to this morning. We had been under sail long enough that, after charging all our electronics, the battery alarm sounded — well past the point where there was enough charge to crank the engine. The Tow Boat US guys were very nice and they love the boat. We met them under full sail, and with their jump pack got the engine started to charge our batteries. Whew!

It's a hot one out here!! 100+ index. But we still have a nice breeze, making 5–6 knots, with Key West just 3½ hours away, F-18s roaring across the sky, and cheeseburgers in paradise awaiting this hungry crew.

Stay tuned, and thanks for your support and prayers and love. Steady as she goes. –Kyle

SISTER SHIP • Delivering Windigo – Day 5 (Wed. 9/30)Finally made it through the ICW!(I'm reposting, as the original send...
10/03/2026

SISTER SHIP • Delivering Windigo – Day 5 (Wed. 9/30)

Finally made it through the ICW!
(I'm reposting, as the original send didn't complete upload everywhere.)

Along the way we rendezvoused with a new crewmember, Chad to take Mark’s spot. Pretty much freestyled the meeting. Evan launched his inflatable tender and motored away as the rest of us stayed in the boat waiting for the next bridge. He returned later with Chad and he promptly got to work making painkillers for us.

After a long day motoring, and driving through quite the heavy storm, we ended up at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Ft. Lauderdale and anchored in their lagoon late Wednesday night/Thursday morning by 12:30AM. The bridges took a lot longer than expected. We all got some much needed sleep at anchor.

Yesterday afternoon after a great lunch at the yacht club restaurant, we divided to conquer the needed supplies.

The plan for last night was to have dinner at the Famous Mai Kai restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale! It has the coolest restaurant and parking lot I’ve ever seen! Unfortunately, it was closed for a private event. Even so, the staff was incredibly accommodating and gave us a tour. If you ever have a chance, it’s a must go! I will unquestionably come back for a dinner and Hula dancing show that ends with a fire dance!

We did however, find a contingency for the tiki bar and had a great time at a local joint right on the beach. We watched the next series of storms come in and had a very good dinner, and then headed back on the boat to try our luck at catching some catfish. Funny enough this little lagoon that we are in has some nice little catfish and I told the guys if they could bring a couple up, I’d cook them for breakfast. If they do get one, I’m pretty sure it’ll sit in the cooler overnight and wait for steady hands in the morning after a good strong cup of coffee from the percolator. It’s only prudent.

So, the plan at this point is to weigh the anchor at zero 700 or thereabouts and make our way down the ICW to nearby Marina to refill top off the fresh water tanks and empty the head. Once we are all set on the boat supplies, we will head out of the waterway and get out to open water and set sail with our newly repaired jib. Time to make our way to Key West with the fair wind blowing us on a broad reach.

We are excited to get back to sailing. This has been a good day for provisions and some repairs, and we will talk to you all soon. Hopefully while underway to Key West.

Thank you everyone for following along. This has been a greater adventure that I had even imagined. Mahalo – Kyle

SISTER SHIP • Delivering Windigo – Day 4 Good morning!! Tuesday was a welcomed day of calm weather all day. Abundant sun...
10/01/2026

SISTER SHIP • Delivering Windigo – Day 4

Good morning!! Tuesday was a welcomed day of calm weather all day. Abundant sunshine and warm! I got a new wide brimmed hat as we will be in the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) for a couple days. Very reminiscent of the Erie Canal. Many of the markers are day markers so not illuminated. Night watch certainly has to be on the ball and use a spotlight to locate the markers, in addition to Chartplotter. But, the night air was cool and pleasant and felt good against wind and sun burned faces.

We’ve been through a number of lift bridges and like in the canal, every bridge master has an important job and like the bridges themselves have vastly different personalities. Some much less pleasant. Wow. Really.

We ran all afternoon and night long and making good time. A little slowdown through the mangroves and manatee area’s. I was hoping to see one but maybe next time.

It’s overcast and breezy which is quite pleasant. We’re going to be stopping in Ft. Lauderdale tonight (maybe?) and we need to resupply some provisions, water and odds n ends. But we’re still well stocked and eating well! Chicken Alfredo last night and pancakes, sausage and eggs this morning!

We lost one crew member, Mark yesterday and was absolutely great to meet him and get to know him. Jimmy Buffett always remarked (had to change that from remarks- 3 years gone 😢 ) about the people you meet among the way in his adventures and it’s so true. Bon route, Mark. And we will be welcoming another crew member tonight, Chad, a friend of OtherKyle.

We’re hoping to make it to Mai Kai Tiki bar in Ft. Lauderdale. Look it up. I think we’ll enjoy it!

We’re passing by some truly incredible houses and boats through Jupiter FL. Unbelievable. And a boat named Bull Dog!!

Every turn through the ICW is different, whether it’s turning back in a time before humans touched this land like through the mangroves or past resorts and houses. Much like life, take it turn by turn try to appreciate it for what it is and our part in it all. We had a great moment last night before the moon was high and the sky was awe inspiring, reminding us of how small, yet amazing we are.

Thank you all for your support and love as always, it’s touching for me to see how much these adventures are a part of you all too!

So, let’s see what is coming around the next turn or chapter in life. I hope you find fair winds and calm waters.

That’s all for now. – Kyle

SISTER SHIP · Delivering Windigo — Days 2 & 3, from KyleMother mother ocean, I have heard you call, I wanted to sail upo...
09/29/2026

SISTER SHIP · Delivering Windigo — Days 2 & 3, from Kyle

Mother mother ocean, I have heard you call, I wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall, you’ve seen it all! - Jimmy Buffett

Hello! From Ponce DeLeon, FL! The last few days have been considerably windy and we have taken it all and the waves ever growing!

After yesterday’s respite from days of heavy weather, only dinners made because of the weather, we were treated with light breeze and gorgeous seas!

We were again visited by families of dolphins. And the wind picked up so after a few hours of running on engine power, we went to set sail again.

And then.

I wish I could be more poetic. This morning was a hairy. I was trying to sleep amongst the waves that literally bounced my body into the air. I ended my watch at 2am.

Earlier yesterday the jibsail blew out after slowing tearing incrementally the past couple days. It was inevitable for failure.

While a pod of playful dolphins were surrounding us the jib went. But I took their presence as a good omen.

After days and nights of heavy winds, sustained at 20kts and gusting to gale force (over 30kts). We were Exhausted because sleeping in these conditions are not easy. Once the jib blew out, we had to run the engine.

After a while the engine started running rough.

We were not only tired, we haven’t done much standing in days. Sore, bruised and stiff legged. The engine started stalling.

Capt Evan went into MacGuyver mode to get the engine back up and running.

The waves were building by the minute and at 3:00AM my restless rest was over as I laid in my bunk with the odor of diesel and oil filled the cabin. It was time to get up.

The waves were so large that we were up and down so much we could hardly make 1kt headway.

Trying to make Cape Canaveral getting hammered by waves, engine stalling, jib gone, and wind ripping out of the South which was our intended route and 60 nautical miles to go, we would run out of fuel hours away.

The decision was made to turn and go with the wind. So we let out the mainsail and mizzen booms and began a broad reach with the waves.

Gusts subsided to 25 then 20 and the waves decided to let off after hours sailing at 5+ kts.

I stayed on deck so another tired crew could rest. The conditions improved but the wind shifted and we could no longer sail, so back to the engine.

Evan and Clayton had to manually pump fuel on the filter to keep us going. I held the helm with other Kyle and hours later Evan and Clayton were able to get the engine stable and lights from land were beginning to be visible. Hope on the horizon.

Just as things were looking very not good, it worked. And, a pod of dolphins came by as if to see us through to safety.

A moment of relief. And twilight began to reveal a glorious sunrise behind us. The crew was beyond exhausted and a feeling of relief came over. I stayed at the helm and let them sleep.

While exhausted myself, I wasn’t feeling tired. I was so profoundly overwhelmed with the miracle that I witnessed. The determination of our Captain and crew, I was also proud to be a member.

If you don’t believe in Guardian Angels, you better. Because they believe in you.

I recalled a bird that landed ON THE BOW of our boat just as things were feeling bleak. And I knew that we’d be OK.

Prayers were answered.

We made it to a fuel dock and shut the engine down. Evan drained the remaining bad fuel and there was not much left.

We were never alone out there.

Amen.

Thank you all so much for your, love, blessings and prayers and support!!

The adventure continues.

More to come tomorrow! – Kyle

09/29/2026

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30 Central Avenue
Dunkirk, NY
14048

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