Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Bell.
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
GM & Laura Bell are the owners of St. Michaels Sailing Charters. GM has been sailing since childhood and previously taught sailing at the Miles River Yacht Club in St. Michaels, Maryland. His sailing adventures have taken him across the Mediterranean Sea, Mexico, Hawaii, California, the U.S. East Coast from Rhode Island to Florida, the Delaware River, and much of the Bahamas and Chesapeake Bay. He has held a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license since 2014. Laura also grew up sailing with her family on various monohull sailboats and now has several years of experience sailing Epiphany along the East Coast and throughout the Bahamas. She is also the owner and photographer behind Laura’s Focus Photography.
GM spent several summers serving as first mate to Captain Iris aboard the historic Selina II. In 2025, we are honored to “take the helm” of Iris’s company, Sail Selina, as we continue to grow St. Michaels Sailing Charters. After several seasons operating on Broad Creek, we have moved across the harbor for the 2026 season and beyond, sailing from the same Harbour Inn & Marina dock previously home to the Selina II.
We’re thrilled to offer two unique sailing experiences: a historic journey aboard our 1935 ketch, Lady Patty, or a modern adventure on our 44-foot luxury catamaran, Epiphany. Both yachts can accommodate up to 13 guests.
We are very excited about our addition of historic Lady Patty to our fleet. This 1935 Maryland built boat brings nearly a century of maritime history back to the Chesapeake Bay.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We found Lady Patty listed for sale online in Nantucket and quickly decided to go take a look. After deciding to purchase the boat in November, we hired a truck to bring Lady Patty from Massachusetts back to the Chesapeake Bay. Since her arrival to a marina in Tilghman, Maryland, several people were hired to work many hours to restore her to the beautiful condition she is today. Work involved stripping all of the wood surfaces and applying many coats of varnish. We also had to rebuild the mizzen mast from scratch. She was launched in late April where we quickly had to learn how to rig and sail her before putting her into charter service on April 30th!
As you know, we’re big fans of St. Michaels Sailing Charters. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Looking for a relaxing boat tour in Saint Michaels on the Chesapeake Bay? Hoping to get out on the water, unwind, and spend some time in nature? If you’re searching for things to do in St. Michaels, MD or exploring the top local attractions, our luxury sailing yachts—Lady Patty and Epiphany—are the perfect choice. From historic charm to modern comfort, St. Michaels Sailing Charters will take you out for a memorable and peaceful day under sail.
Choose between our two stunning sailing yachts: the historic Lady Patty, a 1935 Maryland-built ketch, or Epiphany, a spacious and modern 44-foot Leopard catamaran. Each sail includes a two-hour (or longer) cruise with knowledgeable, first-class captains and a friendly crew dedicated to creating an unforgettable experience. Enjoy our popular day sails or opt for specialty outings like sailing lessons, wine and beer tasting cruises, and more.
Our sailing yachts are docked at the Harbour Inn & Marina in the heart of St. Michaels, Maryland—a charming Eastern Shore town known for its incredible seafood and inviting small-town atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a day trip to St. Michaels or seeking a sailing charter on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, our relaxing sailboat excursions are conveniently located just 90 minutes from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., and only an hour from Annapolis.
Out on the open water, our sailboats offer your choice of a public or private cruise in one of the most beautiful places to sail. Chesapeake Bay sailing is renowned for its stunning scenery and unforgettable sunsets. Your charter begins with a peaceful glide through the harbor before heading out into the Miles River, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views and, if you’re lucky, wildlife sightings like osprey and bald eagles. This year, we’ve even spotted porpoises!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Creating unforgettable memories for all of our guests who experience a sail with us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stmichaelssailingcharters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelssailingcharters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelssailingcharters
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StMichaelsSailingCharters
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/st-michaels-sailing-charters-st-michaels
