Voyage Programs
Sail Training on Lettie G. Howard
“The purpose of a ship is the practice of seamanship, the craft and the science of making a home and a living in a hostile element. While it is no longer necessary for us to take to the sea in wooden sailing ships for the practice of war or trade or exploration, it remains necessary for us to, from time to time, take the measure of ourselves against the wilderness.”
Lettie G. Howard’s cornerstone curriculum is its live-aboard sail training program. Based out of Erie, PA and operating out of ports throughout the Great Lakes, Lettie‘s sail training program is open to anyone age 14 or over.
Lettie’s itineraries include programs specifically designed for high school students, college students, and adults of any age.
What do we do?
While underway, the 1893 Freedonia fishing schooner Lettie G. Howard operates as a fully immersive liveaboard sailing school vessel. Instead of simply transporting passengers, we welcome paying trainees who become an integral part of the crew. On board, trainees learn by doing—eating, sleeping, and working side by side with experienced sailors.
Lettie G. Howard offers an authentic immersion into a nineteenth-century maritime world, providing not just an education in seamanship, but a unique environment that nurtures personal development. As trainees take on the responsibilities of operating and caring for a historic sailing vessel, they hone critical leadership skills, learn the value of teamwork, and develop the grit essential to overcome challenges at sea.
Every task, whether it’s handling sails in a brisk breeze, scrubbing the decks at dawn, or guiding the ship by compass, contributes to building maritime competence and personal resilience.
Aboard Lettie G. Howard, no one remains a passive observer. Instead, the ship transforms those who step aboard into committed mariners, cultivating the confidence, camaraderie, and character that transcend the vessel’s historic timbers and echo well beyond the horizon.
Who can participate?
While some programs are restricted to particular age groups, such as high school or college programs, open enrollment programs are intended for all healthy participants age 14 and up.
Passports are required on international voyages. Trainees who are not US citizens should contact us before booking.
A trainee berth includes room and board, whether the ship is underway or in port. Trainees sleep in cozy bunks below decks, and eat meals prepared in our galley.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition for the Lettie’s live-aboard sailing programs begins at $1,200 per program (including the $300 deposit). Most programs are between five days and two weeks long. Tuition for trainees enrolled in group programs organized by partner institutions (such as colleges and universities) may vary.
Room and board is covered; travel to and from the vessel is not.
Trainees who wish to remain onboard after the end of their scheduled sail may do so only with the captain’s approval, and only when space is available.
We strives to make our sailing programs as affordable as possible, and scholarships may be available.
Call us at (844) 573-7245 or email us at MarineOps@SailFNL.org for details
What are the Program Dates?
Below are Lettie G. Howard’s voyage programs with more programs on the way!
Waves of the Past, Leaders for the Future — May14-28, 2025 – Lake Erie. A two-week annual program run in partnership with Mercyhurst University. Open to currently enrolled university students. Contact for availability.
Open Enrollment I — June 15-24, 2025 – Erie, PA to Brockville, ON to Rochester, NY. Join us for a 500 mile journey, through the Welland Canal, across Lake Ontario, to Brockville Tall Ships Festival in the scenic Thousand Islands, and back to the United States. Open to all ages, 14 and up. $2,000 per person.
Open Enrollment II — June 24 – July 2, 2025. – Rochester, NY to Toronto, ON to Erie, PA. Become part of the crew as we travel to the Toronto Waterfront Festival and then return to our home port. Open to all ages, 14 and up. $2,000 per person.
High School I — August 4-8, 2025 – Lake Erie. Five day, four night program learning sailing skills, Literature of the sea, teambuilding and self-reliance. Open to ages 14 to 18. $1,200 per person
High School II — August 11-15, 2025 – Lake Erie. Five day, four night program learning sailing skills, Literature of the sea, teambuilding and self-reliance. Open to ages 14 to 18. $1,200 per person
All programs include food and lodging onboard the ship. Consecutive programs can be combined, with lodging on the ship in between programs and a discount. Program dates are subject to changes. Some programs may be reserved for specific partnering organizations or age groups.
– Check back here for our 2026 Program Schedule –
How do I sign up?
To sign up for a Voyage Program, prospective trainees must submit an application and a $300 deposit towards their tuition. Trainees will be asked to submit a health history form as part of their application which will be reviewed by our advising physician to confirm the trainee is fit to participate.
Please contact us with any questions about the program or sign-up process by emailing MarineOps@SailFNL.org or calling us at (844) 573-7245
If the application is rejected by our advising physician, the trainee’s deposit and tuition will be refunded. Cancellations by the trainees are subject to penalties relative to the number of days before the program begins. In the case of emergency cancellation, a program credit may be applied to a future voyage.
Trainee Registration Forms
Email us for current registration forms.
By Mail
Flagship Niagara League
ATTN: Sail Training Program
40 Holland St
Erie, PA 16507
By Email
MarineOps@SailFNL.org
Subject: Sail Training Application [Last Name, First Name]