Captain John Rice
For over twenty years, Captain John Rice has been sharing his love of sailing with guests on Lake Lanier. What began as a personal passion for wind and water grew into something much bigger: a charter company built on the belief that every person deserves to experience the peace, beauty, and excitement of being on a sailboat.
With two decades of practice at the helm, John takes safety as seriously as he takes hospitality. But talk to anyone who has sailed with him, and they will tell you the same thing: Captain John has a gift for making people feel at home on the water. Whether you have never set foot on a sailboat or you have been sailing for decades, he meets you where you are.
Lord Nelson Charters is named after the legendary vessel itself, a classic sailboat that has carried thousands of guests across Lake Lanier since 1997. Docked at Safe Harbor Aqualand Marina in Flowery Branch, just 40 minutes north of Atlanta, she is ready for your next adventure.
Photos throughout this site are by Captain John Rice, taken aboard Lord Nelson on Lake Lanier.
Our Sailing Philosophy
Three principles guide every charter we run.
Every Charter is Private
We never combine groups. When you book a charter, the boat is yours. Your crew, your schedule, your experience.
Safety Without Compromise
Experienced captain, full safety equipment, weather monitoring, and two decades of Lake Lanier waters. Your safety is not negotiable.
Genuine Hospitality
This is not a tour bus on water. Captain John learns your names, remembers your story, and treats every guest like family.
Lord Nelson
Our classic sailboat is the heart of every experience. With room for up to 16 guests, a spacious deck for dining and relaxation, and the kind of character that only comes with years on the water, Lord Nelson is more than a boat. She is where memories are made.
Two Decades of Team Building Excellence
Beyond private charters, Captain John has spent 20+ years designing and leading corporate team building programs for hundreds of Fortune 500 companies. From sailing regattas to cardboard boat races, these programs are structured, competitive, and genuinely transformative for teams.
Explore Team Building
Come Sail With Us
Book your charter and discover Lake Lanier from the best seat in the house.