Allow me to introduce myself… My name’s Lory Varo. I’ve been reading ErieBlogs almost since its inception, so when Mike put out a call for help, I quickly responded. I’ll be posting on ErieBlogs every Thursday and my column, which I’ve titled I’m Bored, will highlight all there is to do in Erie and the surrounding areas (places you can visit using a tank of gas or less). I’ll try to give you a cross section of choices and include information for those of you who like a little physicality to your leisure activities, as well as those who prefer to exert as little energy as possible. I’m also going to do my best to cover activities in all price ranges, including those that are completely free of charge. Today, it’s all about sailing.

Sailing, Sailing Over the Bounding Main

Most of Erie’s residents have been to Presque Isle State Park (a/k/a The Beach or The Peninsula) and/or viewed Presque Isle Bay (a/k/a The Bay) from downtown Erie or Dobbins’ Landing (a/k/a The Dock, The Public Dock, or, on those occasions when the “L” had been stolen from the old sign, The Pubic Dock). Nearly as many have swum or waded in the lake. A much smaller number, however, have gone boating on the waters of Lake Erie. Even fewer still have had the experience of sailing on it. And that’s a shame, because sailing is one of the most relaxing, soothing, and ethereal experiences there is. With living right on a Great Lake, it’s a shame to not partake at least once in your life.

What’s that? You don’t know anyone with a boat, much less a sailboat? Have no fear. You don’t have to.

Your first option, and most impressive, is as a Day Sail Student aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara. As a Day Sail Student, you’ll not only enjoy a six hour voyage on the ship, but you’ll also learn about the War of 1812, the Battle of Lake Erie, and the U.S. Brig Niagara itself. It’s a living, breathing, sailing museum and a history buff’s dream. In addition to the war and background of the ship, you’ll also learn a bit about what it takes to sail the Flagship Niagara and get to watch the professional and volunteer crew in action. If you’re the type who likes to get in on the action, there are also opportunities to help. Don’t, however, think that this is a scenic pleasure cruise. There are limited opportunities to sit down and, when you do sit, the seats aren’t the most comfortable. Additionally, you won’t be able to see much scenery outside the ship. Fortunately, that’s not a problem, since what’s happening on deck is enough to keep your interest. Oh, and if you have a tendency toward motion sickness, take some medication before your departure as the ship will not return to dock to let you off, should you become seasick.

About midway through the excursion, the chef makes a very welcome appearance. Unfortunately, it’s been several years since I was on a Day Sail, so I don’t remember exactly what we had to eat. I do, however, remember that it was delicious and I was impressed. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but what we were served was gourmet quality food, was all prepared in the ship’s galley, was served buffet style on deck, and was absolutely delectable.

Check your schedule against the available dates for Day Sails then fill out the application. The cost to spend a day on a live action museum is $60 for Pennsylvania residents, $70 for non residents, and $50 if you’re a member of the Flagship Niagara League.

If you’re not sure you’re into the history of the Niagara enough to spend about six hours at sea on the ship, check out the Erie Maritime Museum first. The cost for adults is $8.00, $5.00 for kids under 12 (under 3 is free), and $7.00 for senior citizens. Make sure to confirm their hours before you plan your visit. Also, if you’re interested in touring the ship on your visit to the museum, you should call (814/452-2744) ahead and make sure it’s in port. If it is, the tour of the ship is included in the price of admission to the museum. I’d recommend allowing yourself at least two hours for the entire tour, which includes a movie.

Not a history buff? Or maybe you’re just more interested in a laid-back, scenic sailing experience? I’ve got the answer for you, too: The Momentum.

The Momentum is the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies’ 42’ Friendship Sloop and it’s available for hire. For $25/person ($100 minimum and 12 person maximum) you can charter the Momentum and someone to sail it for a 1½ hour cruise around Presque Isle Bay (each additional half hour is $8/person). You don’t have to lift a finger. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the sails fluttering in the wind and the water lapping against the hull. I recommend chartering a cruise late in the day so you’re out on the water at sunset.

I’ve been on the Momentum twice and both experiences were perfect. Our skippers were knowledgeable and pleasant and were willing to explain some of the mechanics when asked or just pilot the boat and let the guests chatter amongst themselves.

Perhaps you’d like to learn how to sail yourself? Check out these two choices:

First, again, the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies has the del Caryl Sailing School where you get 15 hours of instruction for $650. BCMS also offers quite a few other opportunities throughout the summer for would-be sailors, including College for Kids.

Second, the Erie Yacht Club also offers sailing classes for kids and adults through its Reyburn Sailing School. And no, you don’t have to be a member of the Yacht Club to take advantage of their classes. I have several friends who have taken these classes (some have taken them several years in a row to hone their skills) and they now serve as crew members on larger sailboats for races and other excursions, including sailing to Put-In-Bay and to Canada. The classes range in price depending on the age of the student and length of the class. The adult classes, for example, meet twice a week for four weeks and cost $185/person, which includes a textbook. If you’re interested, you should check out the above links soon, as I believe the last session of the season is about to begin very shortly.

And speaking of the sailboat races, even if you’re a confirmed landlubber, you can still enjoy sailing. Just peruse the race schedule and go watch (most of them are on Wednesday evenings and Sundays). The majority of the races take place on the bay and can be viewed from The Dock, The Peninsula, or, my personal preference, Liberty Park. Not only are the races fun to watch, but they provide a great opportunity for professional and amateur photographers, especially when they fly their colorful spinnakers. And the best part? Watching is free.

NEXT WEEK: More opportunities (some are absolutely free!) to get out on the water, including the Water Taxi, The Victorian Princess, kayaking, and much more.