My family has had multiple sailing experiences with Jim over the last year or so. We've seen both sides of the North Star Sailing Charters business by first starting our education and practical experience on the water through the American Sailing Association lessons (ASA 101), then giving our children the experience they wanted through chartering a cruise. The best part of North Star is... you guessed it, Captain Jim. Jim is a guy who is going to do everything he can to make sure you're a successful learner and/or a comfortable charter guest while on board his vessels. While going through the ASA 101 course, my wife and I immediately recognized Jim's attention to the details and important nuisances of sailing. This is what makes the difference. Sure, you can read and learn about sailing on your own, but doing it with an experienced sailor who cares about his customers, along with his partnership with the American Sailing Association, you can rest assured you'll not only remember the material, you'll also have the practical on-the-water experience to make the most out of your education! Maybe learning to sail isn't your first choice. That's okay! Let Jim take you out and experience all the fun without the work with one of his chartering packages! North Star's laid-back fun-filled cruises will provide the entertainment/relaxation/dining experience you will most likely come back to again and again. Jim and his company have truly created a love of sailing for us; So much, in fact, that we're preparing to purchase our own boat and already looking to take some of the more advanced ASA courses with North Star Sailing! We can't wait to go back. read more

Jim did an amazing job both as our captain and accommodating me and my parents this weekend! My parents were visiting from Baltimore. Initially, we were doing the Dinner Charter to include Half Shell Oyster House cuisine the day they flew in! Unfortunately, they had a snow storm and we had to reschedule. Nevertheless, Jim was able to get us in Sunday evening! No time for the food prep--but were welcomed to bring our own food and adult beverages! Jim supplied us with water, soda, tea and "North Star Sailing" beer coozies! So we grabbed sandwiches and beverages and were on our way! Jim shared with us great stories and information about the area to include the Mississippi Sound, Jones park, the hurricanes and the wild life. Jim is retired military and we are a military family (like most in the area). So we were able to connect and talk more about navy, boats, sea topics, as well as learn more about the area and sail boating. All while watching pelicans prospect and dive for food, as well as, groups of dolphins swimming in to say hi! The weather stayed clear and the sunset was gorgeous! Jim even let us try out being captain and steering the boat a.k.a. Kashmir(Ask him about the name)! The boat had a working bathroom and anything we needed on board for our 2.5 hour trip! Good price! Great company! Definitely recommend! I may try out his ASA certified sailing lessons next! read more

I booked a six hour cruise with Captain Jim and was not disappointed. We were immediately welcomed and briefed on safety and features of the boat. While motoring out of the marina Captain Jim gave us some local history on the Gulfport Marina, the lighthouse and other sights. Kashmir is a 40 ft Catalina, she's beautiful with graceful lines. Plenty of room for the four passengers, the weather was perfect and we sailed out to the local islands before turning about and heading in under the red, white and blue spinnaker. Dolphins, shrimp boats and pelicans made their appearances, and the water got prettier farther out. This is a perfect family or couples retreat, Capt. Jim will put you at the helm and let you rig the sails if you like, or you can just sit, sip a beverage and enjoy the view. I will do this again.. Five stars!!! read more

This is my third time sailing with North Star Sailing Charters, and it was everything I expected. My boss and I chartered a 6 hour lesson with Captain Jim on the 40' Catalina "Kashmir", and as before, we learned several good sailing techniques; advantages of beam reaching, harbor access, and good sailsmanship. Jim sails almost every day, so nothing seems to bother him. We sailed in 20 knot winds, and his ease of teaching and explanation made the entire trip a valuable learning experience. His trips are definitely worth the money. The dock is easy to access from Hwy 49 / 90 with parking in a secure area (you can park right next to the sailboat). The sailboat is well equipped, spacious, and a good training or sunset cruise vessel. When he sends you a schedule of possible dates, beware, his schedule fills quickly. read more

An absolute delight! My husband and I traveled from New Orleans to escape for my birthday weekend. One of my Life List goals was to go sailing, and North Star was such a treat. Jim is so kind and kept the best conversation. We loved getting to know him, and learning a little about sailboats, too. It was so very relaxing, he provided soft drinks and water (and a bathroom, thank goodness), which made it very cozy. From the dolphins rolling across the still waters of the Sound to the romantic sunset views from the bow, we were caught like seagulls on a summer breeze. We booked a 2.5-hour charter, but I'd happily bring some snacks next time and go for 4 hours. (I didn't want to leave!) We will be booking another charter in the future, and hopefully bring a friend or two along! read more

Overall my experience with Captain Jim and North Star Sailing was excellent. I completed the ASA 101 course and will be returning for 103 and 104. Captain Jim is an exceptional instructor -- the academic part of the course was organized, clearly explained, and entertaining. The practical application part of the course was exciting, and I felt very safe sailing under the instruction of Captain Jim, who was patient, knowledgeable, and fun to hang out and sail with. I learned a ton, and feel very confident in the ASA 101 course material after my experience at North Star. I am already looking forward to my next course and highly recommend North Star Sailing to anyone looking to learn to sail, as well as anyone looking for a peaceful sail on the gulf! read more

My daughter and I went on a 2.5 hour sailing charter a few weeks ago and had the time of our lives. Captain Jim went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and educate us on the area and sailing in general. I had waited a long time to go on my first sailing adventure and my expectations were far exceeded. I had many questions on sailing and he happily answered them all. Being from the Deep South I am no stranger to hospitality, but Captain Jim made us feel the most welcome I ever have on someone else's property and in someone else's world. This was possibly the most peaceful and enjoyable couple of hours of my adult life and I cannot wait to go back down and sail with Captain Jim again. Thank you so much for such a lovely day. read more

It is impossible for me to give less than a five star rating for seeing dolphins and cruising the Mississippi Sound on Kashmir, listening to "Kashmir" by Led Zepplin. The hubs and I have a goal to visit all 50 states together and our most recent adventure was a roadtrip from Charleston, SC to New Orleans, LA. We were looking for something unique and fun to do in Mississippi along the route, and in browsing the interwebs, came across North Star Sailing Charters. We had so much fun that afternoon with Captain Jim, learning more about the Gulfport region, sailing, and his family. The experience was everything I hoped it would be and more. Thank you, Captain Jim, for helping us check off Mississippi - State #36! read more

We went on the 2.5 hours sailing charter for a birthday/work trip. It was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the ocean. It had been raining all week but the sky was clear for our day. The boat has seating in the back with plenty of shade or you can sit in the front if you enjoy the sun and don't mind the occasional sea spray. Captain Jim is very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions and give you a run down of all the different barrier islands in the area and hurricanes that have impacted the gulf coast. We ate at Shaggys across the road from the marina and then skipped over when it was time. Really a great experience! read more

I am very glad that I reserved a sunset cruise to celebrate my friend's retirement from teaching. It was the perfect gift! After Capt. Jim greeted us promptly, my friends and I were treated to a 2 1/2 hour get-away that felt like a vacation. We were safe, comfortable and pampered by Capt. Jim. The added pleasure of his sense of humor along with his expert knowledge of the Mississippi Sound and Gulf Coast community made our cruise an educational experience, as well. All in all, our expectations were exceeded! I highly recommend North Star Sailing Charters, Gulfport, MS for an excellent sailing adventure with service beyond your expectations. read more

Captain Jim was a great instructor. My daughter and I did the 103/104 class. We had a great time and learned a great deal. Jim is excellent at explaining things and has vast experience to draw on. We were with him for a class but he also does charter sails, and I can say with confidence that a charter sail with North Star would be safe and thoroughly enjoyable. The Mississippi sound is full of dolphins and other wildlife, and the water out by the islands is beautiful. So, whether you are a student or want to go out for a chartered sailing experience, I can highly recommend Jim and North Start Sailing Charters. read more

I've got to say that sailing with Captain Jim at North Star Sailing Charters was the highlight of our week on the Gulf coast! My wife and I took the 2 1/2 hour Sunset Charter that almost didn't happen due to a stormy forecast. I remember thinking that it would be no big deal if we couldn't go and we would save some money. Man, am I glad it cleared up! And it was well worth the money! Well, kinda sorta...I now have the sailing bug, which may lead to more cash flow in the future. Captain Jim was the perfect host and did everything to make our trip memorable! We had a blast. I want to do the 4 hour trip now! read more

Looking for something fun to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Go sailing! This is an experience you don't want to miss! My husband and I took the sunset charter to celebrate our anniversary. We enjoyed seeing dolphin, ships leaving the port, a beautiful sunset, to motoring around the harbor at the end of the evening, as the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra was playing with a finale of fireworks! Jim, the owner is such an amazing guy with so much knowledge of sailing and the waters. He will ensure you have a wonderful time! This will always be something we will do during our visits to Gulfport. Enjoy!! read more

Sailing with North Star Charters was a wonderful experience. Jim operates a very professional charter surely as a result of his experience as a pilot for the US Air Force and his years of studying sailing. As we were heading back to harbor after sailing out to Cat (actually raccoon) Island in the Mississippi Sound of the Gulf of Mexico we had a little excitement from heading into the 18 mph wind. The boat tilted up to 25 degrees, but I felt completely safe in Jim's capable hands. I highly recommend the 4 hour charter for a special celebration like anniversary or a graduation gift. read more

Completed my American Sailing Association (ASA) 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Course with Jim this week. His passion for sailing is contagious and he has an ability to teach and explain the topics that keep you well interested and wanting more. The course is balanced between academics and practical hands on and Jim structures the courses small enough to ensure this students have ample time to let it all sink in. I'm looking forward to furthering my skill set with North Star Sailing through courses and charters. Top Notch Instructor/Captain that is very well organized. read more

I took the ASA101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Course with North Star Sailing Charters, LLC this week. Captain Jim knows his stuff and did a great job reviewing and challenging me as we sailed Kashmir on the Mississippi Sound! s.v. Kashmir, which is North Star's 40' Catalina, is a great sailing boat and fun to handle. The cabin of Kashmir is air conditioned, clean and ship shape making a pleasant atmosphere to take the written test. I'll definitely consider taking my 103,104 & 105 with Captain Jim King! I even got to see a lot of dolphin swimming around the boat! read more

A friend and I took the ASA Basic Keelboat Sailing course with Jim on March 18-20, 2017. I knew very little about sailing before the course. Jim is an accomplished sailor and a patient and thorough instructor. He prepared us academically every morning then guided us through practical training every afternoon on what had been covered that morning. At the completion of the course I had gained the knowledge and skill to safely sail with confidence. I am looking forward to gaining more experience, and pursuing additional ASA certifications with Jim. read more

I took ASA103 and ASA104 with Captain Jim, he is very professional and I feel like he prepared me for Coastal Cruising. The course and sailing was well organized and executed. SV KASHMIR, is a comfortable place to live, learn, and sail! It is well taken care of and a pleasure to sail. Captain Jim cooked wonderful meals during our 6 days of sailing class! If you want a sunset cruise or want to learn to sail, I highly recommend doing it with North Star Sailing and Captain Jim! Give North Star Sailing a call and get on the water! read more

This was a great three day course in introductory keelboat sailing. I went in really rusty from some sailing I'd done years ago and came out with a really solid feel again for how it all works. Jim knows his stuff and wants the same of you so you become a better and safer sailor. He is very approachable and will answer all your questions with enthusiasm. I will be returning for more courses to learn more. I highly recommend North Star Sailing Charters if you want to sail boats or just want a day's sailing on the Mississippi sound. read more