Adventure Brief
Ready to try sailing for the first time? Join a friendly, expert-led three-hour session in Sandusky, Ohio, where you’ll learn the basics and enjoy beautiful Lake Erie views.
3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Ready to try sailing for the first time? Join a friendly, expert-led three-hour session in Sandusky, Ohio, where you’ll learn the basics and enjoy beautiful Lake Erie views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires light physical activity and balance
Wildlife
History
Sandusky has a rich maritime history as a key port on Lake Erie, supporting trade and recreation since the 19th century.
Conservation
Efforts to maintain clean waterways and protect native species are supported by local boating communities and conservation groups.
Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures LLC
Ready to try sailing for the first time? Join a friendly, expert-led three-hour session in Sandusky, Ohio, where you’ll learn the basics and enjoy beautiful Lake Erie 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.
Listen carefully to your instructor
Pay close attention during the safety and technique briefings to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience.
Wear non-slip shoes
Footwear with good grip helps maintain balance on a wet deck, improving safety while moving around the boat.
Bring sunscreen and a hat
Protect yourself from sun exposure during open water sailing, even on cloudy days.
Check weather forecasts ahead
Conditions on Lake Erie can change quickly; confirm stable weather before booking your session.
Non-slip boating shoes
Ensures safety and good footing on the boat deck.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Provides warmth and wind protection during cooler spring sails.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects skin from intense sun exposure out on the water.
summer
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the sailing session.