ROCHESTER SAILING FIELD GUIDE
An Afternoon Aft on the Lettie G. Howard — Sail Rochester aboard a 1893 Fredonia‑style Schooner
A 1.5-hour afternoon day sail aboard the restored 1893 Lettie G. Howard that pairs scenic shoreline time on the water with hands-on sailing and onboard history.
An Afternoon Aft on the Lettie G. Howard — Sail Rochester aboard a 1893 Fredonia‑style Schooner.
Step aboard the Lettie G. Howard, one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooners, and spend a relaxed 1.5 hours on the water taking in shoreline views, feeling the breeze, and listening to the crew recount the vessel’s long history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A rare Fredonia‑style schooner
Built in Essex, Massachusetts in 1893 and restored to her original appearance in the 1990s, the Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooners and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
Laid‑back, hands‑on afternoon cruise
This is a relaxed day sail: the Captain or Chief Mate gives a short introduction, you’ll help the crew set some of the larger sails, then sit back to enjoy scenic shoreline views and the open breeze.
Living maritime history afloat
Lettie G. Howard fished the Northeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts, arrived at the South Street Seaport Museum in 1968, and today is operated in collaboration with museum and heritage organizations that preserved her for public sails.
What the day feels like
What the afternoon feels like
The afternoon sail unfolds simply: arrive for check‑in, hear a short orientation from the Captain or Chief Mate, then push off the dock. Under sail you’ll feel the wind, take in shoreline vistas, meet the crew, help with some lines and larger sails if you wish, and learn the story of this historic vessel — all during a roughly 1.5‑hour outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this sail.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The sail runs approximately 1.5 hours.
Guests are checked in 15 minutes before the scheduled sail time and then boarded; the Captain or Chief Mate provides a short introduction prior to departure.
No operator‑specified gear requirements are provided in the supplied details.
The program sails aboard the Lettie G. Howard, a restored 1893 wooden fishing schooner operated in programmatic collaboration with heritage organizations.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Rochester afternoon sail?
The typical duration of the afternoon sail is 1.5 hours.
When should I arrive for boarding?
Guests are checked in 15 minutes before the scheduled sail time and then boarded.
Will I be able to help with sailing the boat?
Yes — passengers will have the opportunity to help the crew set some of the larger sails and meet the crew while underway.
Is the route fixed?
No — sailing plans and the exact route are subject to change; the Captain determines the sail plan based on wind and weather conditions.
What makes the Lettie G. Howard special?
Lettie G. Howard is a restored 1893 wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooner, one of the last of her kind; she fished the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, arrived at the South Street Seaport Museum in 1968, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989, and underwent an extensive rebuild in the 1990s.