Black Pearl Charters and Sunset Sails – Erie Islands Sailing School

The History of the Black Pearl

The Black Pearl is a classic VAGABOND 47 with an overall length of 55’ with the bowsprit. The Pearl is a William Garden design, built in Taiwan by Blue Water Yacht Builders Ltd. in 1980. The Pearl was custom built as the personal yacht for Buddy West, President of Vagabond Yacht Corporation. Buddy first named her WEST WIND VI, she was then sold into Michigan to a be renamed WINDSWEPT. The third owner from Sister Bay, WI changed her name to BLACK PEARL which has remained steadfast.

The Black Pearl has lines that show a powerful sailing hull, strong shoulders, and a clean run. She is majestic at full sail yet stable and very comfortable with plenty of space for friends to enjoy a sunset on her beautifully finished teak decks. Offering cruises on Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie for

Sunset Sails

Half & Full Day Sails

Fireworks at 4th of July

Unique nautical photo shoots!

Black Pearl Sailing Charters

3.7

Based on 3 reviews

review us on

Emily Schueneman

1 year ago

We had the most unforgettable evening aboard the Black Pearl with Erie Islands Sailing School and Black Pearl Charters! The sunset sail was the perfect backdrop for a photo session, and the entire experience felt like something out of a dream. Tricia and Kurt were friendly, professional, and made us feel so welcome—whether you’re there for photos, a romantic sail, a bachelorette party, or just to relax and enjoy the views, they truly go above and beyond. The boat itself is beautiful and well-maintained, and the scenery on Lake Erie at golden hour is unbeatable. This is such a hidden gem of an experience and one we’ll remember forever. Highly recommend for a unique and breathtaking outing!

Michelle Rheinecker

1 year ago

I was really excited to go sailing because the wind was fantastic. It was blowing 20 mph. I grew up sailing on Lake Erie. The captain was too scared to put the main up and sailed with 2 jibs up. 🤣🤣🤣. He was terrible at tacking the boat and lines were whipping all over the place. We would have gotten hurt if we were sitting up front on the boat. He kept the motor running on the boat the whole time we were out. When I asked him if he was going to put the main up he ignored me. When I asked him why he wasn’t turning off the motor he said in case he needed to make a quick maneuver to get away from another boat. There weren’t any other boats nearby. If he was too scared to sail with the wind blowing 20 and gusting to 23 then he should have cancelled the trip. I have sailed in wind stronger than that many many times on Lake Erie. It should have been a really fun ride, but instead I felt disappointed and ripped off.

Aileen Smith

1 year ago

Tricia and Kurt are amazing! I went out for a Black Pearl Charter for the sunset and it was so fun and so beautiful! They're so skilled at what they do, make a great team and made the experience so fun and easy. Highly recommend!

    
 
 
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   Susan T 
 
 
 
 Verified Sunset sail Fantastic sunset sail to end our vacation. Sailing was smooth. It got a little chilly but they provided us with blankets! Definitely worth booking. We had a fantastic time
  
 
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   Kathy H 
 
 
 
 Verified Great way to end a day of meetings A group of us went on a sail after a busy day of meetings. It was a wonderful experience! It was the perfect way to end our day after working hard. It was a nice balance of work and fun with my co-workers. I highly recommend this experience and working with Tricia and Kent!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   MichelleU8653uv 
 
 
 
 Verified Don’t waste your money These people don’t really know how to sail. They say they are captains, but they only put up 1 sail and keep the motor on the whole time. Don’t waste your money.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carol A 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing time! We had the perfect day for sailing. Kent and Tricia did an amazing job on their beautiful sailboat. All of us agreed we could check this trip off of our bucket list and left there so relaxed and ready for Monday.
  
 
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   Jeff B 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent 3 hour sunrise sail experience. My family was very pleased with our sunset sail experience. The captain and his son did a great job navigating the sail boat. Enjoyed the conversation and the sunset was amazing! Would definitely do it again when the opportunity arises. I will share this with my friends. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Michelle P 
 
 
 
 Verified Friends on the ship The captain and his first mate were amazing and answered all of our questions. They were super accommodating with our needs. I highly recommend this experience and I can’t wait to go back!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lori Y 
 
 
 
 Verified Sixties Crew Celebration First Mate Tricia was an awesome host and Captain Kent was just as personable sharing insights, landmarks and history as we sailed. We were a group of 6 celebrating turning 60 and our hosts did everything possible to make us feel special - from the Happy Birthday sign, to a Bundt Birthday Cake and chocolates, to navigating the boat around the sunset for the ideal photo opp. Tricia was very responsive and helpful in providing suggested apparel and lodging recommendations as Kent was for dining ones. The sailboat was clean, comfortable and accommodating for walking around and seating. It truly was a memorable time for all of us, especially when one said he isn’t “WOW-ed” easily but this indeed exceeded his expectations. Thanks for the incredible experience - something to be talked about for years to come, bringing us all smiles.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   laundb1 
 
 
 
 Verified Beautiful evening with friends. This experience was a wonderful opportunity to join some friends and relax while catching a beautiful sunset. The crew was professional and very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this to anyone who is considering booking a cruise.