ERIE SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Aboard the 1893 Lettie G. Howard: Sunset Sail Across Presque Isle Bay
A two‑hour evening sail from Dobbins Landing aboard a restored 1893 wooden fishing schooner — this guide lays out what to expect, where you board, and how the sail typically unfolds.
Aboard the 1893 Lettie G. Howard: Sunset Sail Across Presque Isle Bay.
Sail aboard one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooners and glide through Presque Isle Bay as the sun slides toward the waterline. On this two‑hour sunset voyage you’ll meet the crew, help set some of the larger sails, and learn pieces of Erie’s maritime history from the deck of the historic Lettie G. Howard.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A National‑landmark schooner from 1893
Lettie G. Howard is a restored 1893 wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooner, declared a National Historic Landmark after decades of fishing and later preservation, and now sailing again after an extensive rebuild to her original appearance.
Hands‑on sailing in Presque Isle Bay
On a typical sunset sail the Captain or Chief Mate gives a brief introduction, you’ll help the crew set some of the larger sails, and the vessel maneuvers off the dock to make a short, two‑hour circuit in Presque Isle Bay.
Sunset over water behind Presque Isle
The sail is timed to end with views of the sun setting behind Presque Isle — one of the few places on the Eastern Seaboard where dusk falls over open water — though the quality of the sunset is weather dependent.
What the day feels like
What the two‑hour sunset sail feels like
Plan to check in 30 minutes before departure at Dobbins Landing; after boarding the Captain or Chief Mate gives a short introduction, then the schooner slips free of the dock and heads into Presque Isle Bay. The pace is deliberate: you’ll take part in setting larger sails, learn about the vessel and her history from the crew, then settle into the motion of the bay as the sky darkens and the sun drops behind Presque Isle. Exact route and sail plan are at the Captain’s discretion and depend on wind and weather.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail suits — and who should check details before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience is a two‑hour evening sail departing from Dobbins Landing; plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sail to check in. Exact route and sail plan depend on wind and weather and are at the Captain’s discretion.
Dress in layers for changing conditions on the water and bring a wind‑proof outer layer — sunset temperatures can drop on the bay. Footwear with traction is recommended for moving about on deck.
Boarding is at Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street in Erie; the ship departs at the scheduled time and will leave the dock with or without late passengers.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sunset sail?
The sail is two hours in duration.
Where do we board the Lettie G. Howard?
The vessel departs from Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street in Erie, PA.
When should I arrive for check‑in?
Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sail time to check in and board.
What if I’m late for departure?
The ship departs from the dock at the scheduled time of the sail with or without you on it.
Is the sailing route fixed?
No — exact sailing route and sail plan are at the Captain’s discretion and dependent on wind and weather conditions.
What is special about Lettie G. Howard?
Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooners, built in 1893, later preserved and restored to her original appearance; she is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Will we definitely see a good sunset?
The sail is timed to view the sunset behind Presque Isle, but the quality of the sunset is weather dependent.