Life on Northern Lights
Every sail tells a story. Here are some of our favorites.
Commune with dolphins. Watch an unforgettable sunset from the water. Feel the wind in your hair on a real sailboat. Whether you're here for the ultimate Florida experience or testing the waters for your sailing dreams—this is your day, your way.
Looking for an unforgettable day on the Gulf? Thinking about sailing dreams? We've got you covered. Dolphins, pristine waters, modern boat, expert crew—and experiences you'll be talking about for years.
See dolphins up close (95% sighting rate!), explore pristine islands, sail on a beautiful modern boat. Want to learn real sailing? The systems are easy and charter-standard. Just here for an amazing day? Perfect—no experience needed.
Want to helm the boat? Fly the spinnaker? Learn skills you can use on future charters? Or just relax in our ultra-comfortable cockpit? It's your charter, your choice.
Clay's a licensed USCG Captain with serious credentials. But more importantly? He and Jodi make sailing feel easy, fun, and exciting.
Our sophisticated lifting keel draws just 2'10" when raised—anchor in pristine shallows others can't reach. Lower it to 6'6" for efficient upwind performance when you want to sail fast.
Experience the magic of sailing Northern Lights on Florida's Gulf Coast
Sailing, swimming, and making memories on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico
🐬 Dolphin Encounters
We see dolphins on 95% of our sails!
⛵ Spinnaker Sailing
Fast, colorful, and thrilling!
Every sail tells a story. Here are some of our favorites.
Your charter starts at Skeleton Key Marina in Hudson, Florida, where you'll meet Clay and Jodi and step aboard Northern Lights. From there? The Gulf of Mexico is yours to explore.
"Your adventure, your way. Want to take the helm and feel the power of wind in the sails? Absolutely. Prefer to kick back with a drink while dolphins play alongside and we handle everything? Perfect. Fly the colorful spinnaker? Drop anchor at the Anclote Key sandbar? Explore by dinghy? Yes, yes, and yes. This is YOUR day—whether you're here for the experience of a lifetime or testing your sailing dreams."
We can explore stunning barrier islands, navigate the shallow coastal waters with our 2'10" draft that most boats can't access, visit an historic lighthouse, or find our own secret spot to drop anchor and chill. The itinerary is flexible because this is YOUR day.
Private sailing experiences on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast
The perfect introduction. Dolphins playing in the bow wave, swimming in warm Gulf waters, and yes—you can take the helm if you want! Three hours of pure Gulf Coast magic. No experience required, just bring your sense of adventure.
Pure magic. Watch the sky explode in colors as we sail into Gulf waters. Swim off the boat, relax with a drink, and experience one of nature's greatest shows from the best seat in the house. Perfect for dates, celebrations, or just an unforgettable evening.
Our signature adventure. Sail 13 miles to a pristine barrier island, swim in crystal-clear shallows, explore untouched beaches by dinghy, and fly the colorful spinnaker if conditions are right. The full Gulf Coast experience—participate in the sailing or just soak it all in. Your call.
The ultimate Gulf Coast adventure. Fall asleep to water lapping the hull, wake to sunrise over the Gulf, and spend 24 hours living a dream. Secluded anchorages, stargazing, complete freedom. Whether you're celebrating something special or testing the cruising lifestyle—this is unforgettable. Limited to 1 couple for privacy and comfort.
Weddings • Proposals • Anniversaries • Celebrations • Memorials
Everything you need to know before your charter
Your complete guide to an amazing day on the Gulf of Mexico
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Serious Skills, Serious Fun
Clay and Jodi aren't just experienced sailors—they're passionate about sharing the joy of sailing with others. They've sailed all over the world, chartered boats in multiple countries, and operate two sailing charter businesses: Northern Lights here on Florida's Gulf Coast and BlueJ on Minnesota's Lake Minnetonka during the summer months. What really sets them apart? They make everyone feel welcome and love sharing what modern sailing is all about—whether you're just here for a great day, thinking about your own boat, or planning future charters.
Clay holds every certification you'd want in a captain. Jodi has been Clay's crew for over a decade and knows Northern Lights inside and out. Together, they're patient teachers, confident captains, and genuinely fun people to spend a day with.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced sailor, Clay and Jodi will adapt to make your charter absolutely perfect. They're safety-focused, guest-oriented, and always ready to share their knowledge—or just have a great time on the water with you.
🌊 Two Locations, Year-Round Sailing: Looking for a Minnesota summer sailing adventure? Check out our Lake Minnetonka operation on BlueJ.
A French cruising design built for performance and comfort
Northern Lights is a 2001 Beneteau 331—a contemporary cruising sloop designed by France's renowned Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau in their USA factory. This is what modern cruising boats look like: easy to sail, comfortable to live aboard, and equipped with the systems sailors expect today.
At 34 feet, she's the perfect size: spacious enough for comfort with two private cabins and a large cockpit, yet intimate enough to feel like your own private yacht. The sophisticated lifting keel draws just 2'10" when raised (perfect for exploring shallow areas), or lowers to 6'6" for efficient upwind performance when you want to sail hard.
What makes Northern Lights representative of modern cruising sailboats:
Whether you're thinking about chartering, considering boat ownership, or simply want to experience what modern sailing is all about—this is the real deal.
We've got answers
Reach out and let's plan your perfect day on the Gulf
Ready to sail with us? Fill out the form and we'll be in touch to schedule your perfect day on the Gulf!
Skeleton Key Marina, Hudson, Florida
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