ROCHESTER SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Aboard the Lettie G. Howard: A 2‑Hour Sunset Sail on a 19th‑Century Fishing Schooner
A two‑hour evening sail on the historic 1893 Lettie G. Howard — set sails with the crew, learn the vessel’s story, and watch the sun drop behind Presque Isle Bay.
Aboard the Lettie G. Howard: A 2‑Hour Sunset Sail on a 19th‑Century Fishing Schooner.
Step aboard one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooners for a compact, hands‑on evening sail. On this two‑hour sunset cruise you’ll board the Lettie G. Howard, hear a short introduction from the Captain or Chief Mate, help set some of the larger sails, learn the vessel’s history, and watch the sun set behind Presque Isle while you cruise the natural harbor of Presque Isle Bay.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A rare 1893 Fredonia‑style fishing schooner
Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooners, built in 1893; she was restored to her original appearance after an extensive rebuild and is run as an educational, programmatic vessel.
Hands‑on, instructive seamanship
On a typical sunset sail the Captain or Chief Mate gives a short introduction, guests help the crew set some of the larger sails, and the crew shares the ship’s history while underway.
Sunset over Presque Isle Bay
The sail finishes with a sunset view behind Presque Isle — one of the few places noted for sunsets over water in the eastern U.S. — though the quality of the sunset is weather dependent.
What the day feels like
What this two‑hour evening sail feels like
The outing moves at a compact, maritime pace: check in before boarding, hear a brief orientation from the Captain or Chief Mate, push off from the dock, and spend the voyage steering, trimming, or helping to hoist the larger sails. Between learning the vessel’s story and watching the horizon, the focus is on participatory seamanship and the evening light over Presque Isle Bay.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail suits — and when to reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sail duration is two hours; plan to arrive for check‑in about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
After check‑in the Captain or Chief Mate gives a short introduction, the vessel departs the dock, guests may help set larger sails, and the crew provides historical context during the voyage.
The exact sailing route and sail plan are at the Captain’s discretion and dependent on wind and weather; quality of the sunset is weather dependent.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sunset cruise?
The sail lasts approximately two hours.
When should I arrive to check in?
Guests are checked in about 30 minutes before the scheduled sail time, and boarding follows check‑in.
Can I help with sailing the ship?
Yes — during a typical sail you’ll help the crew set some of the larger sails and can participate under crew supervision.
Will we definitely see a sunset?
The sail is timed to view the sunset behind Presque Isle, but the quality and visibility of the sunset are weather dependent.
What will I learn on board?
The Captain or Chief Mate provides a short introduction and the crew shares the history of Lettie G. Howard while underway.