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Wine & Walleye Festival Day Sail on Lake Erie in Ashtabula - Cleveland

Wine & Walleye Festival Day Sail on Lake Erie in Ashtabula

Ashtabulamoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in moderate physical shape, able to move around the ship and stand for periods while assisting crew.

Overview

Experience the thrill of sailing aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard during the Wine & Walleye Festival in Ashtabula, Ohio. Join a private day sail on Lake Erie with stunning views and rich maritime history.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Wine & Walleye Festival Day Sail

1-1/2 hr day sail

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Adventure Photos

Wine & Walleye Festival Day Sail photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the thrill of sailing aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard, one of the last wooden fishing schooners from 1893. Enjoy a unique journey on Lake Erie, where you can assist the crew, learn about the ship's fascinating history, and soak in the stunning views. Limited spots available—book your adventure today!

Sails sell out quickly and we have a limited number of sail dates and spots available during our sailing season!

Must be 3 years of age or older. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.


About Lettie G. Howard:

Sail on one of the last surviving vessels of her kind!

Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia style fishing schooners. She was built in Essex, Massachusetts in 1893 and fished off the Northeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts. She arrived at South Street Seaport Museum in New York City in 1968 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989. She underwent an extensive two-year rebuild that restored her to her original appearance in the 1990s.

Lettie G. Howard is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and is operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.


Location:

Lettie G. Howard sails from the wharf along Morton Street, northwest of the Ashtabula Lift Bridge and across the street from US Coast Guard Station Ashtabula.

Due to foot traffic or perimeters throughout the Wine and Walleye festival grounds, parking spots may be harder to find or less conveniently located -- please plan accordingly.


On a typical day sail:

We will check everyone in 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the sail and then board everyone. The Captain or Chief Mate will give a short introduction before getting underway. You’ll help the crew set some of the larger sails and sit back, relax, and enjoy sailing. You’ll meet the crew and learn about Lettie G. Howard’s unique history while she sails Lake Erie.

This is a general plan for a sail, however, please know that sailing plans are subject to change. Exact sailing route and sail plan is at the Captain’s discretion and dependent on wind and weather conditions.


Key Points:

  • Rain or shine event. Umbrellas are not permitted onboard. If it will look like rain, please bring a rain jacket/pants/boots instead.
  • There are benches for seating onboard.
  • No food or drink included. You are welcome to bring your own non-perishable snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in non-glass/closed containers. Water will be available onboard.
  • Onboard restroom is rustic and intended for urgent situations only.
  • Contact: (844)573-7245 Info@SailFNL.org.

Fine Print:

  • Rain or shine event. Tickets are only valid for the date, time, and type of sail indicated on them. Refunds will only be given in the event that the sail is cancelled by management due to circumstances including but not limited to weather, maintenance problems, and/or scheduling changes. Whether or not to sail is ultimately the sole decision of the Captain. No-shows will not be issued refunds nor credit.
  • By sailing, you agree and consent to FNL and/or SSSM using pictures and/or any other form of media material for publication and/or promotional purposes.

Lettie G. Howard is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and is operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early for Boarding

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to get settled and participate in the pre-sail brief.

Wear Non-Slip Footwear

Shoes with good grip are important for safely moving around the wooden deck during sailing.

Bring a Light Jacket

Lake Erie can get chilly and breezy even in summer, so a light windbreaker is recommended.

Stay Hydrated

Bring a reusable water bottle as the sun reflecting off the water can increase dehydration risk.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Great blue herons
  • Common loons

History

The Lettie G. Howard is a rare surviving example of late 19th-century fishing schooners used on the Great Lakes.

Conservation

This sail promotes sustainable tourism by educating guests about Lake Erie's ecosystem and encouraging waste-free practices onboard.

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Adventure Hotspots in Cleveland

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Non-slip Deck Shoes

Essential

Crucial for safety while moving aboard the wooden deck.

Light Windbreaker

Essential

Protects against breezy lake conditions during cool weather.

spring specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Prevents sunburn from reflected sunlight off the water.

summer specific

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Keeps you hydrated throughout the sail.