Enjoy a private 4-hour sailing adventure aboard the Black Pearl on Lake Erie near Sandusky, Ohio. Perfect for relaxing with friends or family while soaking in beautiful island views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion is needed; appropriate for all fitness levels including families and seniors.
Wildlife
History
Lake Erie’s islands have served both as local fishing hubs and strategic locations during the War of 1812.
Conservation
Efforts by local groups aim to protect Lake Erie’s water quality and preserve island habitats from invasive species.
Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures LLC
Enjoy a private 4-hour sailing adventure aboard the Black Pearl on Lake Erie near Sandusky, Ohio. Perfect for relaxing with friends or family while soaking in beautiful island views.
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.
Bring Your Own Refreshments
The charter allows you to bring your own beverages and snacks, so pack your favorites to enhance the onboard experience.
Wear Sun Protection
Since much of the time is spent outdoors on the water, bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against sun exposure.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early at the marina in Sandusky for a smooth boarding process.
Motion Sickness Consideration
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative medication as the sailing trip involves gentle movement on open water.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from prolonged sun exposure on the open water.
summer
Hat and Sunglasses
Essential for shielding your face and eyes from bright sunlight and glare off the water.
summer
Light Jacket
Useful for staying warm during cool breezes on the lake, especially in early spring or fall.
spring
Non-Slip Footwear
Ensures safe footing on the deck and marina docks.