This Is Our Story

Hi, I’m Captain Max Sheppard, and I’m here to share the joy of sailing with you. For me, there’s nothing quite like being on the water, and I want to give you the chance to experience it too. That’s why I offer two-hour sailing tours Thursday through Sunday evenings, with room for up to six guests per trip. We depart from Riverside Park on a 27-foot catamaran, and after purchasing the boat in August, my family and I spent a few months getting to know it better, sailing a couple of times a week. My kids, Adeline (3) and Kai (5), have been out on the boat just as much as I have—probably over 20 times already!

I grew up in Neenah and have been sailing most of my life. For me, it’s more than just a hobby; it’s an experience like no other. Sailing lets you step away from the noise of everyday life. There’s no engine hum or distractions—just the wind in the sails and the sound of the water. It’s incredibly peaceful and relaxing.

I’ve been a licensed captain for nearly 20 years and have over 1,080 days of offshore experience. Before settling in Neenah, I spent a lot of time working as a private yacht captain, crossing the Pacific Ocean several times. I even lived in Tonga for a year, where I met my wife, Lata. We later came back to Neenah, and I truly believe it’s the perfect place to raise a family and one of the best spots to enjoy sailing on Lake Winnebago.

Lata and I have two kids, and we like to joke that we’re all "islanders." I was born on Doty Island here in Neenah, Lata’s from American Samoa, and our kids were born here too. We’re all connected to the water in one way or another!

Before starting this venture, I worked for Fox River Tours as the operations manager and head captain. We offered public boat tours out of De Pere, Green Bay, Appleton, and Kimberly. After the 2023 season, Fox River Tours closed, and I decided it was time to focus on my own sailing business. Now, I’m excited to offer not just standard tours but also special experiences like sunset cruises, private event charters, and tours during big events like Oshkosh’s EAA AirVenture. I’m even thinking about offering a Fourth of July package with the Venetian boat parade during Neenah’s Community Fest.

I’m also exploring partnerships with local restaurants to offer dinner-and-sail packages so you can enjoy a meal while taking in the beauty of Lake Winnebago. My goal is to get as many people out on the water as possible and show them what I get to enjoy every day.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or completely new to the water, I’d love to have you join us for a memorable experience on the lake!