Partner Spotlight
Suncoast Sailing runs sunset and day sails aboard the schooner Suncoast Horizon — out through John’s Pass and into the open Gulf. We keep boats clean below the waterline; they show people what the water looks like from the deck.
Misting Monsoon works on boats all over Pinellas County, and we get asked the same question constantly: where should we take people out on the water?
Suncoast Sailing is our answer. Captain Richie Mahoney and his crew have been putting guests under sail out of Treasure Island for years, and it is real sailing — canvas up, engine off, wind doing the work. No gimmicks, no script. If you have guests in town, an anniversary to mark, or you simply want a Gulf sunset from the deck of a schooner, this is where we send you.
Everything below comes straight from Suncoast Sailing. Book with them directly — the links go to their own reservation system, and nothing routes through us.
Sunset sails, day sails, and private charters aboard a U.S. Coast Guard–inspected schooner. Reservations are required, and trips regularly sell out well in advance — book early for sunset.
Complimentary on-site parking in the spaces behind the Waffle House at Gulf Blvd & 112th Ave.
Bring your own, or buy from the Ship’s Store on the way in. Coolers with ice are available.
Bottled water provided, and there is a restroom on the boat — a rarity on a sailing vessel this size.
The Horizon is certified for 28 passengers. They cap it near 21 so nobody is elbow-to-elbow.
Schooner
The red-sailed schooner that runs the daily sunset and day sails. U.S. Coast Guard–inspected and certified for up to 28 passengers, with capacity held near 21 for room to move. Individual tickets available — you do not need to charter the whole boat.
Ketch
The smaller, more intimate option — the boat Captain Richie takes out himself. Better suited to a couple, a small family, or anyone who wants a hand on the wheel rather than a seat on a bench.
Owner & Founder
Holds a 1600 / 3000 ton Master’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard. Started sailing at four years old on mountain lakes in Northeast Tennessee, sailed at the collegiate level, has made ocean passages, and has skippered high-profile regattas. Twenty-five-plus years introducing guests to sailing across the Gulf, the Eastern Seaboard, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Operations Manager
Tampa, Florida. Runs the day-to-day operation and is the captain most sunset guests end up sailing with — and the name that keeps turning up by itself in Suncoast’s reviews.
Captain
Buffalo, New York. Part of the rotation on the Horizon, bringing another set of licensed hands to the helm through John’s Pass and out into the Gulf.
All sails depart from Suncoast’s docks at The BoatDega, adjacent to the Waffle House on Gulf Blvd — minutes from Madeira Beach, St. Pete Beach, and downtown St. Petersburg.
Park free in any of the spaces behind the Waffle House, then check in at the retail store in the orange building attached to the north side of the Waffle House, on the corner of Gulf Blvd and 112th Ave.
Private Charters
Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, corporate groups — the vessel and the crew for your party alone, on your schedule.
Burial at Sea
Suncoast handles burial-at-sea services out of Treasure Island for families who want the Gulf to be the last stop. Handled quietly and with care.
Gift Cards
Physical cards at the retail store, or an e-gift card online in about a minute. Better than another candle.
Reservations are required and sunset trips sell out well in advance — if you know the date you want, lock it in now. Booking goes directly to Suncoast Sailing.