ASHTABULA SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Aboard the Lettie G. Howard: a 1½‑hour day sail from Ashtabula during Wine & Walleye
Step aboard one of the last wooden Fredonia‑style fishing schooners for a short, hands‑on sail on Lake Erie; this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and how the outing runs.
Aboard the Lettie G. Howard: a 1½‑hour day sail from Ashtabula during Wine & Walleye.
Experience the thrill of sailing aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard on a 1½‑hour day sail from Ashtabula, where guests can help the crew, learn the vessel’s story, and take in broad views across Lake Erie. Sails run during the Wine & Walleye Festival and seats are limited, so planning ahead is essential.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A surviving 1893 wooden fishing schooner
Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving Fredonia‑style fishing schooners, built in 1893, restored to her original appearance and operated as a programmatic collaboration of the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.
Hands‑on short day sail on Lake Erie
On this roughly 90‑minute outing you’ll check in, board, hear a short introduction from the captain or chief mate, and have the chance to help set larger sails while cruising the lake.
Launching from Ashtabula’s festival waterfront
The schooner sails from a wharf along Morton Street—just northwest of the Ashtabula Lift Bridge and across from the U.S. Coast Guard station—placing the outing squarely in the Wine & Walleye Festival grounds.
What the day feels like
What the sail feels like
This is a short, focused sail: check in about 15 minutes before departure, board under crew direction, hear a brief safety and history talk from the captain or chief mate, then help with sail handling or relax on bench seats as the Lettie G. Howard moves on Lake Erie. The outing is intimate by design—spots are limited—and the exact route and sail plan are set by the captain according to wind and weather.
THE VESSEL
A surviving 1893 wooden fishing schooner
Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving Fredonia‑style fishing schooners, built in 1893, restored to her original appearance and operated as a programmatic collaboration of the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.
THE SAIL
Hands‑on short day sail on Lake Erie
On this roughly 90‑minute outing you’ll check in, board, hear a short introduction from the captain or chief mate, and have the chance to help set larger sails while cruising the lake.
THE SETTING
Launching from Ashtabula’s festival waterfront
The schooner sails from a wharf along Morton Street—just northwest of the Ashtabula Lift Bridge and across from the U.S. Coast Guard station—placing the outing squarely in the Wine & Walleye Festival grounds.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail is right for—and who should take care
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
No food or drink is included; you may bring non‑perishable snacks and non‑alcoholic beverages in non‑glass, closed containers. Water is available onboard. Umbrellas are not permitted.
This is a rain‑or‑shine event—if rain is likely bring a rain jacket, pants and boots rather than an umbrella. Dress in layers for wind off the lake.
Benches are available for seating; the onboard restroom is rustic and intended for urgent needs only.
Sails sell out quickly and there are a limited number of spots and sail dates during the season; plan to book in advance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Wine & Walleye Festival day sail?
The day sail is approximately 1½ hours long; plan to check in about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Where do we board the Lettie G. Howard in Ashtabula?
The schooner sails from the wharf along Morton Street, northwest of the Ashtabula Lift Bridge and across the street from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Ashtabula.
Is the event canceled if it rains?
The event runs rain or shine; umbrellas are not permitted onboard—bring rain gear (jacket/pants/boots) if wet weather is expected.
Can I bring food and drinks?
No food or drink is provided, but you may bring non‑perishable snacks and non‑alcoholic beverages in non‑glass, closed containers; water will be available onboard.
Are there age or companion restrictions?
Guests must be at least 3 years old; passengers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
What is the refund or cancellation policy?
Tickets are valid only for the date, time and type of sail on the ticket; refunds are issued only if management cancels the sail (weather, maintenance or scheduling); the captain has final say on whether to sail and no‑shows are not refunded.