A Message from Erie Islands Sailing & Powerboating School

August 04, 2026

Yes, we know school is right around the corner and stores already have Halloween decorations out. However, the weather is great, the water is still warm, and it’s a great time for boating! Classes are still available for both sailing and powerboating. Book now or give us a call if you don’t see what your looking for. Not sure if you want to take a class, try one of our Intro to Sailing courses and go out with an instructor for 2 hours to get your hand wet and see if this is for you! We are hear to help you Live the Dream.

Fair Winds and Safe Boating,

Tricia & Kent and all of our Instructors

Online Classes through STARPATH

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Erie Islands Sailing School

5.0

Based on 49 reviews

review us on

GAP

1 month ago

Excellent experience and highly recommended. I took the ASA 101 and 103 combined course over 4 days. I had no sailing experience and felt I left with a very good foundational knowledge. Captain Dan was very good and Captain Mike especially was a terrific instructor and was able to clearly explain the concepts and answer all of our questions. This is a great place to start if you are interested in learning to sail.

Jim Eyster

1 month ago

My wife and I have tested for ASA 101, and taken 103 and 104 at the school. Owner Tricia was excellent, making sure we had everything the needed for the courses and that the boats were prepped and ready to go. We had Captian Rick for ASA 103 and Captain Mike were for ASA 104. Although we studied prior to the classes, we went in wondering if we were prepared and ready. The captains were excellent. They subtly reminded us of the class material and gave us confidence throughout the course with their expert knowledge and application of the principles we had studied prior. We came out more confident, knowing we could sail. I cannot recommend this school enough for your sailing journey.

Carl Craigmyle

1 month ago

This is a very good school. They are focused on their students. The captains (instructors) make sure that you understand the ins and outs of sailing and the rules of boating on the water.

marty gasparro

2 months ago

Excellent instruction. The communication before the class was very thorough. Captain Kent was a great instructor. Provided a calming environment and clear explanation of how to employ different maneuvers and gain confidence in my ability to control different scenarios.

Gregory Neal

3 months ago

Erie Islands Sailing School is a GEM! It is run by people who are passionate about sailing and teaching others how to sail. I have taken the ASA-101/103/105, and just completed 104 and 114 during our BVI trip with them. Very reasonably priced and a great overal value. Thank You Erie Islands Sailing School!!

T Crane

3 months ago

Great first sailing experience! Owners Tricia and Kent were very helpful with the registration process and logistics. Captain Mike is a great teacher. He really understands sailing and has a great teaching style and personality. Highly recommend this school to learn how to sail or improve upon your current experience.

2nd review...just finished the ASA 104/114 classes in the British Virgin Islands. What a great trip. Really learned a lot about bare boat sailing and sailing a catamaran specifically. The BVI is gorgeous. Weather was perfect, and the instruction was great. Mike's 47' FP cat was beautiful. We are planning on taking another sailing trip through Erie Islands Sailing School to BVI soon!

Dave Morris

3 months ago

I booked the 101 basic keel boat class with no sailing experience. Trish made the entire booking process very easy. Communication was fast and detailed. Captain Rick was the instructor and very experienced and a great teacher. He made the class fun and I feel I have a much better idea about sailing. The entire experience was great.
Thank you all!

CBG

4 months ago

I've taken 101, 103, and 111 courses and practice. I'll be heading to the BVI with the school for my 104 and 114 certifications. I've had 3 different Captains and every one of them brought something unique to the experience. The knowledge gained through hands on training is unmatched. There is a clear line of communication with the school and the Captains. I'll continue my sailing journey with Erie Islands Sailing School. If you're on the fence, just jump over, you won't be disappointed. At the end of the day you get out of it what you put in it.

Chad Barnes

12 months ago

A great sailing adventure!!!!

A Person

1 year ago

This is was the perfect finish for our week at Lake Erie. The crew was amazing and The Black Pearl was very stable under sail with a breeze of 15-20 knots. If you are looking to charter on Lake Erie…this is it. My wife and I will be signing up for the ASA certified classes in January for the May schedule provided by Erie Sailing School. Outstanding experience.

Matthew Poe

1 year ago

Captain/Instructor Rick went above and beyond to make sure everyone got in some good sailing time. He also had the foresight to take advantage of the weather window to have us sailing quickly.
I

Brad T

1 year ago

Meagan Surles

1 year ago

I surprised my boyfriend with their Sunset Sail for his birthday and couldn't have asked for a better experience! The captain, Ken, was so kind and accommodating. The ride was easy, the views were beautiful. We learned the history of the boat too, which was very interesting and cute. The experience itself was great and it also added they were easy to talk to and great at communicating leading up to the event. All questions asked and very forthcoming on all relevant details. Highly recommend if you're in the Sandusky area. We'll definitely do this again when we come back.

Rob Bilger

1 year ago

Fantastic! Just got ASA 101 & 103 certified over a 4-day weekend with Erie Islands Sailing School in Sandusky. Can’t say enough about Captain Mike Olmstead - an amazing instructor. Super knowledgeable and patient.

Lori Yanosich

2 years ago

Black Pearl Sunset Sail’s 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.

Carliezdad

2 years ago

My wife and I had the pleasure of starting our sailing journey with Erie Island Sailing school this past weekend. Tricia, Kent, Kerim, Captain Mike, and all the staff at Safe Harbor really made it an excellent experience! The amenities at Safe Harbor are amazing and the school staff made us feel comfortable and confident as we took our ASA 101 and 103 classes. Getting to stay on the boat in the harbor helped us gain insight to the sailing community/lifestyle we’re so excited to have joined. Can’t thank them enough for the experience and looking forward to continuing our education through them ASAP!

  Overall great sunset experience – I surprised my boyfriend with their Sunset Sail for his birthday and couldn’t have asked for a better experience! The captain, Ken, was so kind and accommodating. The ride was… read more

Journey23756627568
September 1, 2025

  Student and overnight guest – Wonderful experience and great instructor!
The owners are very responsive and very efficient with arrangements and eager to make the experience the best possible!
I had the opportunity to stay… read more

Roberta K
August 11, 2025

  Poor sailing trip – Don’t waste your money!! They don’t know how to sail. They keep the motor on the whole time and only put up 1 sail. They never… read more

MichelleU8653uv
July 8, 2025

  Sunset Sail in Sandusky – Our adult family of five had an amazing sunset sail to cap off our family vacation. Communication was fantastic. The experience was relaxing and refreshing on a hot day. Snacks… read more

Krefts
July 6, 2025
Erie island powerboating school was awesome – This is exactly what you need if your a new boater or haven’t been captain of a boat for a while. The instructor was beyond excellent and the lessons… read more

John P
June 17, 2025

Erie Islands Sailing School has partnered with SEA BAGS as a sail recycling drop off location at Safe Harbor Sandusky Marina. Help us reduce the impact in our landfills. We have recycled over 1000 lbs of sails. The drop box is located by the office/pool area.

Erie Islands Sailing School

Erie Islands Sailing School is the premier American Sailing adult learn to sail company on Lake Erie. We’ve been in business for over 15 years, teaching the joy of sailing. With our main location at Safe Harbor Sandusky in Sandusky Bay, Erie Islands Sailing School is the ideal place to begin your sailing dream. The protected waters of Sandusky Bay offer the novice sailor a great place to learn the basics. The proximity of Lake Erie and the island destinations of Kelleys, the Bass Islands, and Put-in-Bay offer fun and challenging sailing for those taking our Bareboat Chartering and Advanced Coastal Cruising classes.

We look forward to sharing the world of sailing with you.
Our focus is on Sailing: Education, Safety, Fun.

Learn to Sail. . . Live the Dream!