Adventure Brief
Join Erie Islands Sailing School for a two-day ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising course in Sandusky, Ohio, and learn how to confidently sail a keelboat on Lake Erie’s open waters.
2 days
moderate
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Join Erie Islands Sailing School for a two-day ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising course in Sandusky, Ohio, and learn how to confidently sail a keelboat on Lake Erie’s open waters.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate physical fitness to handle boat movements, sail adjustments, and some climbing on and off the vessel.
Wildlife
History
Sandusky has a rich maritime history tied to Great Lakes shipping and recreational boating culture dating back over a century.
Conservation
Erie Islands Sailing School emphasizes sustainable boating practices to protect water quality and local ecosystems in Lake Erie.
Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures LLC
Join Erie Islands Sailing School for a two-day ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising course in Sandusky, Ohio, and learn how to confidently sail a keelboat on Lake Erie’s open waters.
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 the Weather Forecast
Wind and lake conditions can change quickly; ensure you review the latest forecast before heading out.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Choose shoes with good grip to safely move around the wet deck.
Bring Sunscreen
Sun exposure intensifies on open water, so protect your skin with high SPF sunscreen.
Stay Hydrated
Keep water on board to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Non-slip sailing shoes
Provides necessary grip for safe movement on the wet deck.
UV-protection sunglasses
Protects eyes from glare off the water and UV rays.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
Keeps you warm and dry during sudden lake breezes and spray.
spring
Water bottle
Staying hydrated during active sailing is critical.