Step into the captain’s shoes with this private four-day ASA 101 & 103 sailing course in Sandusky, Ohio. Learn hands-on skills and navigation to confidently skipper your own keelboat.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 days, 6–8 hours daily
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness is recommended; participants should be comfortable with standing, climbing aboard, and moving around a boat.
Wildlife
History
Sandusky has a rich maritime history as a key port on Lake Erie, with a heritage linked to Great Lakes shipping and wartime shipbuilding.
Conservation
Erie Islands Sailing School emphasizes eco-friendly boating practices and encourages students to minimize waste and respect local wildlife habitats.
Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures LLC
Step into the captain’s shoes with this private four-day ASA 101 & 103 sailing course in Sandusky, Ohio. Learn hands-on skills and navigation to confidently skipper your own keelboat.
Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures LLC is a Put-in-Bay, Ohio-based sailing school and charter operator offering a mix of instructional courses and recreational cruises. The company operates the Black Pearl for specialty excursions such as sunset sails and nautical photo shoots, and delivers American Sailing Association (ASA) certified courses ranging from Keelboat 2 to Advanced Coastal Cruising.
Instructors provide hands-on training for ASA certifications including docking endorsements, coastal navigation, weather endorsements, and refresher reviews. Courses are structured for small groups and emphasize safety, seamanship, and real-world practice on Lake Erie waters.
Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures also offers short on-water modules through the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) for focused skill-building in open water boat handling.
Recreational experiences include three-hour sunset sails that welcome guests 21 and older to bring beverages responsibly, and private nautical photo sessions aboard the Black Pearl with options for dockside or on-water settings. Training programs vary from one-day endorsements to multi-day cruising courses designed for sloop-rigged keelboats and larger coastal vessels, including night-sailing elements for advanced certification.
All offerings are delivered from Put-in-Bay, a well-known Lake Erie destination, providing access to diverse sailing conditions and navigational challenges ideal for learning and leisure. Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures emphasizes certified instruction, practical experience, and memorable maritime experiences for sailors and visitors seeking both education and adventure. Training follows ASA curriculum and NSBC guidelines to meet recognized industry standards, with emphasis on passenger safety, seamanship, emergency procedures, and responsible boating practices across Lake Erie.
Location
Put-in-Bay, OH
Historic Lake Erie destination
Flagship
Black Pearl
Iconic vessel for photo & sunset sails
ASA Courses
7 ASA Certifications
Comprehensive sailing instruction
Experiences
11 Trips
From photo shoots to advanced cruising
Book a Black Pearl sunset sail, nautical photo shoot, or ASA certification course — advance reservations recommended for limited-capacity trips.
Check Weather Before Heading Out
Wind and weather greatly affect sailing conditions on Lake Erie, so always review daily forecasts before your class.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Secure footing on deck is critical; bring sailing shoes or boat-friendly sneakers to avoid slipping.
Bring Sunscreen and a Hat
Protect your skin from sun exposure during long hours on open water, even on cloudy days.
Stay Hydrated
Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated; physical effort and sun exposure can lead to quick dehydration.
Sailing shoes or boat-friendly sneakers
Provides grip and protects your feet on wet and slippery deck surfaces.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare off the water, enhancing visibility and comfort.
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Lightweight waterproof jacket
Protects against wind and splashes while keeping you dry and comfortable.
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Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during physical activity and long hours on the water.