Our Team

/Our Team
Capt Rick and Jo Winters

Capt Rick and Jo Winters

Paul Keever

Paul Keever

Capt G

Capt G

Morning Star Sailing Charters was founded by Captain Rick Winters who successfully operated the business in the Florida Keys, providing unmatched ocean side snorkeling trips and sunset sail experiences to thousands of guests in the last 30 years. By going the extra mile, sailing aboard the 50’ yacht S/V Morning Star, six private guests per trip were able to explore some of the best snorkeling sites and coral reefs in the Florida Keys.

Captain Rick retired in 2016 and sold Morning Star Sailing Charters to Paul Keever, the owner of South Dade Marina and Eco Adventures, a place for paddling adventures on the edge of the Florida Everglades, Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages, a small sailing resort in Key Largo, Florida, which also houses the American Sailing Academy, an ASA sailing school. Paul is expanding Morning Star’s services by adding several sailing vessels. They include several 22′ Catalina’s, a 23′ O’Day, two 33’ Morgan Out Island sloops, and Unforgettable , a Jeanneau Lagoon 37’ catamaran sailing both bay and ocean side for snorkeling trips, sunset sails, and private charters. The 50′ pirate ship Pirates Choice, a gaff rigged ketch, is also available for sunset sails and snorkeling the coral reef. Most sailboats are available for private rental / charter for day trips or multi day charters.

Morning Star is now managed By Captain “g”. Cap’n g has been sailing for over 40 years and spent over 20 years in the United States Coast Guard. Because of his skill, he was tapped to teach boat handling to Coast Guard members at the USCG Training Center in Cape May, NJ. Capping a long career in Intelligence and Law Enforcement, he was assigned as the Subject Matter Expert in criminal law, and also taught boarding procedures and defensive tactics at the Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, where he attained Master Instructor Certification. Cap’n g was co-owner of East Carolina Sailing School in Washington, NC, at which time it was selected as ASA Outstanding School of the Year and he was named Outstanding Instructor of the Year. So sail assured with Morning Star Charters you are in good hands for all your sailing in the tropical weather of the Florida Keys.