PUT-IN-BAY SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Aboard the Lettie G. Howard: Sunset Sail on Presque Isle Bay
A two-hour evening sail aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard in Put-in-Bay where passengers can help set the sails and watch the sun drop behind Presque Isle.
Aboard the Lettie G. Howard: Sunset Sail on Presque Isle Bay.
Climb aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard for a sunset sail in Presque Isle Bay. One of the last surviving wooden Fredonia-style fishing schooners, Lettie G. Howard offers a hands-on, two-hour evening cruise in which passengers help set sails, meet the crew, and take in waterborne views as the sun dips behind Presque Isle.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A surviving Fredonia‑style fishing schooner
Lettie G. Howard was built in Essex, Massachusetts in 1893 and is one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia-style fishing schooners; she was declared a National Historic Landmark and was rebuilt in the 1990s to restore her original appearance.
Hands-on evening sailing in the natural harbor
On a typical sunset sail passengers check in before boarding, hear a short introduction from the Captain or Chief Mate, help the crew set some of the larger sails, and learn about the vessel and crew while sailing in Presque Isle Bay.
Sunset over water from Presque Isle
The sail caps off with a view of the sun setting behind Presque Isle — noted as one of the few places to see sunsets over water in the Eastern United States — though the quality of the sunset is weather dependent.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
This is a brisk, social two-hour sail: guests check in before the scheduled departure, board the historic schooner, hear a short introduction, and then move off the dock into Presque Isle Bay. The rhythm of the outing alternates hands-on work—helping the crew set larger sails—with relaxed stretches of sailing, crew storytelling about the ship’s history, and a final attentive watch as the sun sinks behind Presque Isle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail will suit — and what to check with the operator.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Duration for the sunset sail is two hours. Specific seasonal recommendations were not provided in the source material.
The provided materials do not include a formal gear list.
Guests are checked in beginning 30 minutes before the scheduled sail; further boarding details and exact meeting point were not specified in the provided data.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Put-in-Bay Sunset Cruise?
The sunset sail lasts approximately 2 hours.
What vessel is used for the sail?
The sail is aboard the Lettie G. Howard, a wooden Fredonia-style fishing schooner built in 1893 and restored to its original appearance in the 1990s.
Can passengers help with sailing?
Yes — passengers will be invited to help the crew set some of the larger sails during the cruise.
When should I arrive before the sail?
Guests will be checked in beginning 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the sail.
Is the sunset guaranteed?
No — sailing plans and the quality of the sunset are weather dependent; the exact route and sail plan are at the Captain’s discretion.