ERIE SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Hands‑On Sail Aboard an 1893 Fredonia‑Style Schooner on Lake Erie
A 1.5‑hour day sail from Erie aboard the Lettie G. Howard — a restored, National Historic Landmark wooden fishing schooner — this guide explains the onboard flow, what to expect, and practical details for the experience.
Hands‑On Sail Aboard an 1893 Fredonia‑Style Schooner on Lake Erie.
Climb aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard, a 1893 wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooner, and help set sails as you glide across Lake Erie; the short, hands‑on outing combines active seamanship with a close look at a National Historic Landmark and her storied past.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
One of the last wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooners
Lettie G. Howard was built in Essex, Massachusetts in 1893, fished off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, was conserved at the South Street Seaport Museum and declared a National Historic Landmark; she was restored in the 1990s and is operated programmatically in collaboration with heritage partners.
Hands‑on sailing in a short day sail
On a typical day sail you’ll board after check‑in, hear a short safety and history talk from the Captain or Chief Mate, and help the crew set some of the larger sails before settling in to enjoy the ride on Lake Erie.
Limited dates and spots — book early
Sails sell out quickly; the operator runs a limited number of sail dates and has a finite number of passenger spots during the sailing season.
What the day feels like
What the 1.5‑hour day sail feels like
The outing is a brisk, 1.5‑hour deck‑level experience: after a 15‑minute pre‑sail check‑in and a short introduction from the Captain or Chief Mate, guests help raise some of the larger sails, then settle into the motion of the schooner as she sails Lake Erie while crew share the vessel’s history.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and size/age considerations.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Verified trip information did not include a specific gear list; the provided data does note the short duration and the hands‑on nature of the sail but no formal equipment requirements were supplied.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Wine & Walleye Festival Day Sail?
The sail is 1.5 hours in duration.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes — the program is available to guests ages 3 and up.
Will I get to help with the sails?
Yes — on a typical day sail you’ll help the crew set some of the larger sails as part of the onboard activities.
Where does the schooner sail during the outing?
The sail takes place on Lake Erie aboard the Lettie G. Howard.
Can the route or sail plan change?
Yes — the exact sailing route and sail plan are at the Captain’s discretion and depend on wind and weather conditions; the published itinerary is a general plan and subject to change.
How early should I arrive before the sail?
Passengers are checked in 15 minutes before the scheduled sail time, after which boarding begins.
Who owns and operates the Lettie G. Howard?
Lettie G. Howard is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.