sailboat cruise lake erie

August Sunday Special! Use Code: Sunday For 10% Off Sunday Cruises!

VICTORIAN PRINCESS

Riverboat cruises lake erie, pa, themed cruises.

• New Themes Weekly!
• Ladies Day on the Bay Aug. 21st!
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Happy Hour Cruise!

The Victorian Princess will set sail for a great night of fun every Wednesday! This cruise includes DJ for Entertainment!

• User All Ages

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Experience a majestic cruise and enjoy the simply beautiful views of Lake Erie Sunset while enjoying a delicious dinner aboard the Victorian Princess.

• August 21st Live Reggae Music!
• August 23rd Latin Night!

Lake Erie Moonlight Cruise

June through October, we will host a themed party night. Join us and enjoy a night time cruise aboard the Victorian Princess. Great for large groups and special occasions.

Featured Cruises!

• Most Popular
• Hour Glass 1 Hour

Erie Sightseeing Cruise

Experience the beautiful views Lake Erie!

• Hour Glass 2.5 Hours

Late Night Latin Cruise

Join us for our Late Night Latin Cruise! There will be music provided by DJ Mike!

• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Spectacular Sunset Dinner Cruise

Enjoy Dinner and a night of Dancing with Live band Performance by “Familiar Spirit”!

• Hour Glass 2-3 hours

'Murder Impossible' Mystery Cruise

Halloween moonlight cruises.

Book a ticket to secure a spot at one of our five popular Halloween Moonlight Cruises!

2024 Events on Lake Erie

Featured cruise, dining cruises, sightseeing cruises, entertainment cruises, looking for the perfect gift.

To purchase a gift card, please call our office at 814-459-9696

Looking for the perfect gift?

Buy gift cards, the victorian princess.

For anyone who wants to experience a new dining experience, energetic happy hours, or family-friendly, picnic-style fun, all while taking in the exquisite views of Lake Erie, come aboard Erie’s only authentic paddle wheeler, The Victorian Princess.

The Victorian Princess is the unique and premier event amongst all tourism activities for Erie locals and travelers alike, because we focus on accommodating people of all ages. The Victorian Princess cruises feature weekly happy hours, lunches, brunches, and dinners.  We also offer themed cruises throughout the season and can plan private boat rentals for your special events. If you are looking to celebrate an anniversary, baby shower, birthday, communion, reunion, wedding, or more then let us throw you a celebration that you and your guests will remember forever!

WE ARE HIRING ALL POSITIONS Give us a Call at: (814)-459-9696!!

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See What Our Guests Love About Us

Excellent and engaging staff, food was great and plenty of it. The tour was wonderful and took some amazing sundown pictures.

Food was very good. Staff was stretched thin but kept a positive attitude. Cruise was smooth. Sunset was beautiful.

Great trip. Very friendly crew. We took the 2 hour sunset cruise over Memorial Day weekend. You can take either with or without dinner. We opted for no dinner.

The Saturday evening dinner cruise was AWESOME! We had a great time. The food was delicious and the views spectacular! I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to take a trip on the water and experience Erie's magnificent sunsets!

The sunset dinner cruise was a beautiful evening out on Lake Erie. The captain and crew were awesome, our Italian dinner was very good. Highly recommend this for a fun night!

This was a surprise for our daughter's birthday! She loved it! The food was fantastic. The staff were fabulous. And the sunset was breathtaking! Thank you for a wonderful experience!!!

North Coast Sailboat Charters

• Day Charter
• Multiple Day and Weekly Charter

Sunset Cruises

• Itineraries
•         - Day Charter
•         - Multiple Day and Weekly Charter
•         - Sunset Cruises
•         - The Boat
•         - About Us
•         - Articles

Spend The Day On The Water

Spend The Week Sailing The Great Lakes

Enjoy The Lake Erie Sunset

Are you looking for a sailboat to charter for the day? We have the perfect sailboat for your Lake Erie adventure. Click the button at the right for more information.

Charter Packages

Day charters.

Do you want to spend the day on the water but don’t own a boat? You can Charter a Sailboat with or without a Captain. Our 41foot Hunter sailboat provides room for 6 guests and crew. We have day tours to fit your schedule. Check out our itineraries or you can customize your trip to suit your needs on Lake Erie.

Weekly Charters

Looking for a sailboat to charter? Our beautiful 41 foot Hunter has a three cabin layout that will sleep eight. This yacht has air conditioning, a huge galley and all the electronics you will need. Enjoy your week sailing Lake Erie and visiting Put-In-Bay, Kelleys Islands, Cedar Point and everything western Lake Erie has to offer.

There's nothing more romantic or beautiful than a sunset cruise on Lake Erie. Enjoy wine and cheese with family or friends. Or use this perfect setting to celebrate an anniversary or ask that once-in-a-lifetime question. Whatever the occasion, a sunset cruise on our lovely 41 foot yacht can be customized to fit your needs.

Enter the Lake Erie Interclub Cruise Photo Contest

Share the joy of the 2024 event and win some cold hard cash !!!

Lake Erie Interclub Cruise

Welcome to 2024 | 66th annual Lake Erie Interclub Cruise.

    Get Nautical

*  2024  booking now open ! Book early, weekends fill up fast!

* Gift Certificates are also available! Just click the "Buy Gift Certificates Here" button below.

Start Your Next Adventure with Lake Erie Sailing Charters

Lake Erie Sailing Charters was founded on the idea that exploring Lake Erie and the Islands can be more than just a short ferry ride. Enjoy the fun, excitement, and beauty of sailing these waters aboard the sailing yacht "Valkyrie". She is the largest, fastest and most luxurious sailing charter yacht on Lake Erie. She is truly in a class of her own. Whether you’re looking for a sunset cruise, day sail, or Erie Islands excursion, we can help you put together an experience you’ll never forget. We’re committed to service and excellence.

Sailing Charters

All charters are private. Prices are per charter for up to 6 passengers.

Choose from one of our standard charter options. Or, you can contact us for a custom charter.

Overnight charters also available starting at $2,500 per 24hrs Perfect for: Anniversaries, Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, Family vacations, Girls nights, New adventures.

Sunset Cruise

Starting at $600

Enjoy the beauty and romance of a sunset on the water. A 3 hours sunset cruise is the perfect amount of time to relax and enjoy cocktails as you watch the sun go down under sail.

Half day sail

Starting at $900

Have some fun in the sun as you sail Lake Erie's Shores and Islands. A half day sail is typically 5 hours. This allows enough time to sail past the islands and even anchor out and go for a swim.

Full Day Sail

Starting at $1,500

This is truly the best way to experience all that sailing has to offer. Lasting up to 10 hours, you have ample time to visit and explore the islands. You have your own personal yacht and captain all day.

Click "Book Now" to see current availability

Give someone a truly unique and special gift! Contact us or click the button below.

 Valkyrie

"Valkyrie" is a 56 foot Oyster Yacht. Oyster Yachts are the top of the line, most luxurious production yachts in the world. She has a large shaded cockpit, a spacious teak deck for enjoying the sun, and swim platform for swimming at anchor. Her interior is solid cherry wood with a teak and holly floor. She has heat/AC, hot water, and any other comfort of home. Being a larger yacht, she offers a much smoother, faster, and much more enjoyable ride than that of smaller vessels. Her size and over 50,000 pound displacement means she can go out when other boats are stuck at the dock.

Lake Erie Sailing

451 W Lakeshore Dr Port Clinton, OH 43452

[email protected]

419-250-2078

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“Belfast Girls” was partially filmed on the Spirit of Buffalo!

We are proud to have been a part of the filming of the “Belfest Girls”.  Our City’s Flag ship was used to create the trailer for the play.  Please check out this amazing video and we hope to see you at the Irish Classical !

Our Featured Sails

Sounds & sails.

Embark on a musical journey like no other aboard the majestic Spirit of Buffalo every Saturday!

• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours
• Most Popular!

Evening Sail

The sunsets and night skies of Lake Erie are nothing short of spectacular and there is no better way to enjoy them than aboard the majestic Spirit of Buffalo.

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Wine in the Wind

Enjoy a sail while sampling wines from the Niagara region as well as from around the world. This relaxing wine tasting sail includes a cheese and cracker buffet.

Craft Brew Sail

Sample some of Buffalo’s best craft brews while taking in a scenic cruise aboard the Spirit of Buffalo.

Aboard the majestic Spirit of Buffalo tall ship enjoy a summer afternoon with sunshine and warm breezes.  Just sit back, relax and take in the experience.  Our crew will make your sailing experience enjoyable.

• New in 2023!

Nightcap Sail

Wind down on a nightcap sail.

• We Do Birthdays!

Children’s Pirate Adventure

You and your child/children will be entertained by our pirates with pirate stories, a treasure hunt, music, and loads of swashbuckling family fun!  All reservations must include at least one child.

View all Public Sails

The Spirit of Buffalo is proclaimed the Flagship of Buffalo by Mayor Byron Brown.

Sit Back & Relax on Lake Erie

Sail back in time on Lake Erie aboard the Spirit of Buffalo and discover traditional sailing on a classic 73 foot topsail schooner. This beautiful schooner with its magnificent red sails is available for day and evening sails, craft brew cruises, wine in the wind sails, children’s pirate adventures, and educational excursions. Join the crew and sit back, relax and see the city in a new (old?) way.’

PARKING INFORMATION

• There may be street parking available in Canalside on Llyod Street, Hanover Street or Prime Street.  There are two lots under the Skyway along Pearl Street, Commercial Street and Marine Drive.  There are also parking spots on these same streets.  Parking is also available in the LECOM Harborcenter parking ramp.  There may be a charge for parking.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DO NOT BRING COOLERS, LARGE DUFFLE BAGS OR TOTE BAGS.  DO NOT BRING YOU OWN BEVERAGES. We have a liquor license.  Due to strict guidelines from the New York State Liquor Authority all beverages must be purchased from Spirit of Buffalo. If you are booking for a group please inform your guests of this policy. Failure to comply will result in an immediate return to the dock and termination of the cruise/charter.  No refunds will be given.

Spirit of Buffalo is equipped with a restroom.

Top-Rated Sails in Buffalo, NY

"We had such a great time! Can't wait to do it again! It was perfect weather, the staff was friendly and was able to answer all our questions!"

"A sunny hot day with little wind didn’t stop the Spirit of Buffalo crew from making us all at home on our voyage. Wonderful makeup sail with local friends when we were rained out with out-of-town guests."

"What a wonderful sailboat ride my husband and I had! The captain and the crew were fabulous! I will recommend this sail ride to my family and friends! Great experience!"

Even though it was freezing (classic Buffalo), my entire family had an absolute blast!! Definitely recommend this to visitors or any home-towners!

• Sandusky Bay, Ohio
• 216-338-7618

• Boat Captain Lessons
• Liability Waiver
• Birthday & Family Outings
• Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
• Weddings & Anniversaries
• Corporate & Business Outings
• Stanley Cup Island Getaway Package

Custom Charters

• Destinations

Make Your Special Event an Unforgettable One

Lake Erie Yacht Charters

Looking for a comfortable way to cruise the Lake Erie Islands?

You’ve come to the right place. PowerPlay Yacht Charters is a unique and fun way to commemorate any event or milestone, whether a wedding, bachelor/bachelorette party, birthday, or corporate outing. We run premium daytime and evening Lake Erie cruises for up to six guests along the Lake Erie Shores and Islands in northeast Ohio. We also provide Cleveland boat tours off North Coast Harbor. You’ll ride in style on our private 55-foot Sea Ray 500 Sundancer Sport Yacht, one of the most luxurious and largest Lake Erie boat charters to run between our home port of Sandusky Bay to popular Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. Hop aboard … fun awaits!

What We Offer

Yacht charters.

Here’s your chance to enjoy the beauty of the Lake Erie Shores and Islands area with friends and family by renting a private yacht for your event. Our 55-foot Sea Ray Sundancer cruises comfortably and our prices won’t break the bank.

Custom Offerings

We’ll work with you to provide a custom charter outing for that special getaway. We can arrange an island-hopping day, or run up to historic Detroit Yacht Club for an adventure. Or just a nice simple sunset on Sandusky Bay. You’re the boss … let’s make your day special!

Corporate Events

A laid-back Lake Erie boat charter is the perfect team-building event for any size corporate outing. Or maybe you’d like to reward your best customers with a yacht ride around the Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor.

Zodiac Dinghy

Our Zodiac Deluxe Dinghy is available for rental with charters and for individual lessons. The 15-foot long dinghy is powered by an 25hp outboard Yamaha motor. Ask us for more details about a dingy rental.

Luxurious 55’ Sea Ray Sundancer Sport Yacht over 50,000 lbs. and powered by twin 660 Hp Cummins diesels. National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Yacht Certified for ocean travel, as well as certified by the American Yacht Builders Association.

Captain's Lessons

Captain Jim Dempsey is available for hire to provide captain’s lessons to new boaters. He is also available to captain your own vessel or transport vessels. He is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed 100-ton master captain with more than 20 years of boating experience.

Private Yacht Charter Packages

Birthday & Family Outings

Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties

Weddings & Anniversaries

Corporate Outings

Stanley Cup Island Weekend

This is not your typical Lake Erie boat charter

Far from it. We’re one of the largest charter boats circulating the Lake Erie Shores and Islands and Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor.

Captain Jim’s Blog

#INSTAGRAM FEED

Testimonials.

Chartering the PowerPlay made our trip from Sandusky to Put-in-Bay a major highlight of my bachelor party weekend. No worries traveling with an experienced captain and yacht loaded with everything you need for fun!”

— Mike/Bachelor party to Put-in-Bay

I thought my birthday during COVID was going to be so lame, but then all of my friends surprised me with a Party on the PowerPlay! We took a beautiful sunset cruise to the border of Canada and had an amazing party afterward on the yacht! Best. Night. Ever.

— Helen/Birthday party at Put-in-Bay

Captain conveniently picked up me and my future wife in his Zodiac Deluxe Dinghy at Catawba State Park and shuttled us out to the PowerPlay. We cruised over to South Bass Island where we spent the afternoon swimming at anchor in the sun. Thanks, Captain Jim!

— John/Pre-engagement trip to Put-in-Bay

 My bachelorette crew came down from Michigan for a four-day bachelorette extravaganza. By far the highlight of the weekend was Friday’s PowerPlay charter. The dinghy ride was amazing. Having so much fun we extended the charter a couple of more hours. We’ll definitely be back this summer.

— Brandi/Bachelorette party

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Grab Life by The Sail!

Sail around lake erie & presque isle bay aboard "another round" a 28' o'day sail boat..

What's it Entail?

Mike Gonzalez and Vito Randazzo would like to welcome you aboard Another Round, a 28 ft. O’Day sailboat. What better way to spend a summer day or evening than sailing on the waters of Lake Erie.

Another Round can accommodate up to four passengers and will take you on a minimum of a two hour cruise. Come experience the joy and relaxation that being out on the water can bring

Cruises are $100 for the first 2 hours, includes up to 4 guests. $30 for each additional hour.

Charters are available on Wednesdays (days and evenings) and Saturday (days only) by appointment.

Where We Are

We are located in Erie, PA on the shores of Presque Isle Bay, just east of Liberty Park.

About the Captain(s)

Mike and Vito are longtime friends and co-workers who, much to the chagrin of their families, discovered the joys and challenges of sailing. They became U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains and are always looking for an excuse to be out on the water. So give them a call, they want to go sailing!

Contact Mike

Friends of another round.

Clement's Lake Erie Cottages Vacation Rental Homes in Erie, PA clementslakeeriecottages.com 

Bay Harbor Marina Home of "Another Round" www.bayharbormarinaerie.com

Friday Night Sunset Party Cruises

7:30pm-10:00pm

​21 and older only!  Tickets $30.00

Our Friday night sunset party cruises will begin on June 21st and continue every Friday the end of August.  Departing at 7:30pm and returning at 10:00pm with a DJ or band and a full-service bar for purchase.  Come and enjoy the only nightclub on the water.  Great for Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, class reunions and birthday parties!  21 and older only and must have a valid ID to board. 

Tickets are $30.00

August 2nd Country Night

August 16th Open format (little bit of everything)

August 23rd Open format

August 30th Open format

2024 Sunset Cruises

Tuesday andWednesday 

June 18th-August 7th 7:30-9:30pm

Tuesday and Wednesdays

August 13th - 28th.  7:00-9:00pm

Live entertainment and drink specials

Pizza for purchase!

Adults $15.00 Children under 13 $10.00

  PLEASE CONTACT US FOR QUESTIONS AND RESERVATIONS 

AT 419-625-9692 OR EMAIL AT [email protected]  O PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK THE PURCHASE BUTTON ON THE TOP LEFT CORNER THEN SELECT YOUR DATE!

CALL US: 419-625-9692

Our Crew is here for you!!

Click the purchase tickets in top left corner to purchase tickets online!

Daytime Island- Hopping Cruises

Thursday - Saturday Starting June 27th through August 24th

* Not available Saturday July 20th 

​*Not  available Thursday August  22nd and 23rd

This is a very family-oriented trip with plenty of sites and a full narration of the area!  Enjoy ample time on Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay.  

This trip is perfect for families, family reunions, class reunions and more!  Senior Rates, Group Rates for passengers of 20 or more, and children

Adults $32.00 per person

Seniors $30.00 per person

12 and under are free!!!

Please Call for reservations!

Some dates may not be available

​419.625.9692 

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CLEVELAND BROWNS TO KELLEYS ISLAND

All games will have free pizza! ​

These are 1:00pm games the boat leaves Sandusky at 11:30am and departs Kelleys Island one half hour after the game ends!  Except for September 8th which is a 4:30pm game and the boat departs at 3:00pm.  Tickets are $30.00 and is 21 and older only.

September 8th 3:00pm departure 4:25 game - DJ

September 15th  -Tight Wadd

September 22nd - Barricade

October 6th - Tight Wadd

​October 13th TBA

October 20th - Barricade

​October 27th - Tight Wadd

*All Schedules are subject to change without notice.  Please contact us for reservations and to confirm departure times!

Goodtime I - Lake Erie Island Cruises

AUGUST 17TH R&B CRUISE 7:30PM - 10:00PM

R&B party cruise with DJ Chosen

to order ticket select purchase tickets in the upper left hand corner and then in select date.  Enter August 17th date and purchase tickets

• Purchase Tickets
• Daytime Island Hopping Cruise
• Friday Night Party Cruise
• Sunset Bay Cruise
• Area Information

SUNDAY FUNDAY  TO KELLEYS ISLAND ​

 Tickets $30.00-$40.00

June 23rd Tight Wadd $30.00 per ticket

July 7th Reckless Highway $30.00 per ticket

July 14th The Skittle Bots $30.00 per ticket

August 11th DJ Chosen

August 18th The Ladies Night (Taylor Swift cover band) $40.00 per ticket

All tickets include free food on the way over and there is a cash bar!

​ +1.419.625.9692

[email protected]

227 West Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA

Lake Erie Cruises

9 best lake erie cruises for 2024-2025, a voyage along the great lakes – with smithsonian journeys, expedition in the heart of the american great lakes, all five great lakes, great lakes and st. lawrence seaway, great lakes - masterpieces of nature, all five great lakes reverse, lake erie cruise tips & travel guide, how to choose a great lakes & st. lawrence river cruise, the best great lakes for cruising, top things to see and do on a great lakes cruise, top cruise ports in the great lakes, top lake erie travel destinations.

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COVID-19 Service Alert: Read about our safety information .

Work Aboard GOODTIME III and Love Your Job! - Now Hiring .

WHAT WE'RE DOING AS YOUR CREW

GOODTIME III and the Fryan Family have been and continue more than ever to being committed in providing a safe and enjoyable environment and experience for our passengers. You can rest assured as we are strictly adhering to the guidelines set forth by the CDC (Center for Disease Control), the Cleveland Department of Public Health, the US Coast Guard and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. GOODTIME III is an active member of PVA (Passenger Vessel Association) and will implement their guidelines and directives as well. Please keep in mind that we are continuing to endure the repercussions of the virus and the requirements regarding capacities, social distancing and mask mandates will still be everchanging throughout our season. Our policies and procedures may change after we are able to assess how operationally efficient they turn out to be so we ask for your patience and understanding.

• Employees will be required to have their temperature checked before each shift and will be required to wear facemasks.
• Employees will be required to utilize hand sanitizer and hand washing frequently on a consistent schedule.
• Sanitizing stations will be available to all guests and are placed around both the vessel and dock facility.
• All surfaces will be thoroughly sanitized before and after every cruise.
• All employees have attended the food handler and COVID-19 class that has been offered by ServSafe prior to returning to work.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AS OUR PASSENGER(S)

• Per the City of Cleveland mandate, we are requiring that all of our passengers wear a face covering and remain seated as much as possible for the duration of the cruise.
• Please wear a face covering while speaking with crew members or passengers not in your party.
• Please wash your hands often and utilize the provided hand sanitizer dispensers located on throughout our ship.
• Please adhere to all social distancing guidelines and stay at least 6 feet away from other guests.
• If you are sick or symptomatic in any way, please do not come. We can transfer your reservation to another cruise at a later date. It's not much of a "good time" to come aboard when you're not feeling well!
• In order to maintain a safe environment during these continued uncertain times, everyone must continue to do their part to remain safe regardless if you have received the vaccine or not.

WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT IN THE 2021 SEASON

• We request that you arrive at least 1/2 hour prior to BOARDING time. Your entire party MUST BE present to enter the boarding area. Please maintain 6' feet of distance between your party and other parties in line.
• We respectfully request that you follow protocols you have been using when in public for the last year, e.g. and remain in your area for the duration of the cruise.
• Food and Beverage Service will be offered on a crew regulated, self-serve basis. To continue to comply with social distancing, you will be called up to the concession stand or Bar to purchase food and beverage. For the Narrated Luncheon Cruise and the Dinner & City Lights cruises, the crew will call individual tables up to the buffet and our staff will plating the food.

Don't Miss the Boat!

GOODTIME III 2024 SEASON IS HERE. WE WILL RUN CRUISES TUESDAYS THRU SUNDAYS. WE WILL NOT HAVE PUBLIC CRUISES ON MONDAYS. THERE WILL BE NUMEROUS EVENTS IN THE AREA ON SATURDAYS IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST. WE WILL BE CRUISING. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY WHEN COMING INTO THE DOWNTOWN AREA. THANK YOU!

THE GOODTIME III IS CLEVELAND’S LARGEST SIGHTSEEING SHIP

The best way to experience Cleveland is aboard the GOODTIME III, the largest quadruple-deck, 1,000 passenger luxury ship on the Great Lakes. Our sightseeing cruise is a top attraction and provides one-of-a-kind views of downtown Cleveland, the Flats, the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Available for private events, the GOODTIME III is a top venue in Cleveland, providing a unique experience in comfort and dining, with the most spectacular panoramas in the city.

GOODTIME III IS A SMOKE-FREE AND VAPE-FREE VESSEL

ALL TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE AND NON TRANSFERRABLE. 

GOODTIME III CRUISES RAIN OR SHINE

           GOODTIME III ROUTE VARIES DAILY AND IS AT THE CAPTAINS  DISCRETION 

NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND ARE PERMITTED

SIGHTSEEING

A unique and spectacular two-hour narrated cruise along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie provides a top attraction with spectacular views of downtown Cleveland, the Flats, and all of the surrounding areas while getting an in-depth look at Cleveland’s history.

The top attraction dining option in Cleveland that allows you to see the harbor and downtown skyline from the water! Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise as you take in the extraordinary sights of the city from the largest sightseeing ship in Cleveland.

ENTERTAINMENT

The highlight of your summer is sure to be enjoying one of our fun-filled entertainment cruises with friends as a top attraction. Don’t miss your chance to dance the night away under the stars in the most unique setting in all of Cleveland.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

CELEBRATE SUMMER HOLIDAYS ON THE WATER

A Top Attraction for Summer Fun

The perfect spot to celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and July 4 th is on the water! Summer holidays become epic events with memorable cruises that your friends and family will treasure for a lifetime!

PRIVATE CHARTERS

FOR CHARTER INQUIRIES

Call (216) 579 -1932 or e-mail [email protected].

CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES

CLASS PARTIES

CORPORATE EVENTS

Get Special Offers

TESTIMONIALS

Great afternoon aboard the Goodtime! Well done tour of Cleveland from the comfort of the boat. Any side of the boat is good. There is both covered and uncovered areas to sit. They sell food and beverage but there is also a drinking fountain.

Great experience! Our group of grad students and faculty took a narrated afternoon cruise and loved it! The narrative is really interesting--it helped us understand what we were seeing, and it gave us a real appreciation for the city and its water. The boat offered many locations for watching, sitting, and chatting. We enjoyed the route (especially the river) and saw so much we couldn't experience any other way.

Late September cruise. Perfect date night and a beautiful boat ride.

This was a surprise birthday gift for my fiancé and as well as a first time for myself to get over the fear of ever getting on a boat Let alone A SHIP! The Ride was More Smooth sailing than I thought it would be. It was very peaceful beautiful and relaxing. I would do it again with the staff that was involved! Thank you!

For courtesy, comfort, and just plain fun, you cannot match the experience of a cruise on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie aboard Cleveland's largest sight-seeing vessel. The Goodtime III is the largest quadruple-deck 1,000 passenger luxury ship on the Great Lakes, which offers plenty of room, and you are not confined to your seats.

EMAIL SIGN UP

P: 216-861-5110

825 East Ninth Street Pier North Coast Harbor Cleveland, OH 44114-1017

©2024 GOODTIME III. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy .

Welcome to Lake Erie

Click here to jump down to the many ports around Lake Erie OR

Click a location on the map to go to a port.

The smallest of the Great Lakes by volume, Lake Erie lies upstream from Lake Ontario, receiving its water from Lake Huron to the north via the St. Clair River. It gets its name from native peoples who lived along its southern coastline – the Erielhonan.

Here are some facts about the lake:

• length: 241mi / 388km / 209nm
• width: 57mi / 92km / 49nm
• depth: 62ft / 19m
• deepest: 210ft / 64m (shallowest at west end: 7.4m)
• surface area: 9,910 sq mi / 27,7000 km2
• coastline: 871 mi / 1,402 km / 731 nm (incl islands)

Due to its shallow depth, the lake warms rapidly in the summer, reaches higher than average temperatures and frequently freezes over completely in the winter

Lake Erie lies generally along the line of the prevailing winds. This has implications for sailors, especially as this is a very shallow lake – actually, the shallowest of the five Great Lakes. Storms on the lake can be quite intense and waterspouts are not uncommon. 'Fetch' is the distance over which wind can blow unobstructed. Generally, the longer the fetch, the steeper the waves that are generated. On Erie, the water can be as much as 3/4 – 1 m higher at the eastern end than at the western end when the winds are blowing hard.

The Lake Erie basin encompasses parts of Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. This area has very good farmland and has been intensively farmed for over a century. This is also the most heavily industrialized lake in the Great Lakes.

Considering the amount of shipping that this commercial activity generated, it is not surprising that there are a significant number of shipwrecks – some 200 alone off Long Point!

There are approximately two dozen islands in the lake - the majority, and those of any real size, at the western end. These offer excellent waters to explore (and some delicious wines to enjoy from fine island wineries).

The ports and harbours that ring Erie offer everything from great rock and roll music (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland OH) to the solitudes of the world biosphere of Long Point (a favourite sailing ground of mine) to picturesque island villages. Erie is a delight to cruising sailors.

Check out some of these harbours in the following port reviews or plan an interesting cruise to experience all that this great has to offer.

Lake Erie Ports

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The Complete Log Book For Cruising Sailors

written by a sailor for sailors

a practical, easy-to-use yet thorough format to record all of the necessary information about your boat and any cruises you take – whether exploring home waters or voyaging to distant ports across the Great Lakes.

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Clement's Lake Erie Cottages

Beautiful, Charming, Peaceful, and Furnished Cottages

SAIL LAKE ERIE FROM ERIE, PA: MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK!

Looking to experience Lake Erie by sailboat? Your options include private or group charters, daytime or sunset sails, or even a “sail and anchor” for a concert option. I get really excited thinking about this because there is no place more beautiful in the summer than the lakefront of Erie, Pennsylvania AND these prices are crazy affordable!

PRIVATE SAILING CHARTERS, ERIE PA

If you are looking for a private sail with family or friends just for fun, sightseeing or a special occasion, a private charter is more affordable than you may think. Both of the options below will work with you to provide a custom experience for you.

Lake Effect Sail offers private cruises or sailing lessons in Erie, PA

Lake Effect Sailing

Captain Ed Garr of Lake Effect Sailing operates a 32 foot cutter, Namaste, for   up to six people. Whether you want to relax, steer, or “learn the ropes,” Captain Ed will tailor your sail to your needs. He also offers sailing lessons.

Captain Ed has hosted with many special occasions including engagement proposals, anniversary or birthday celebrations, and ladies outings. Tourists and locals are welcomed. The rate is $50 per hour with a 2 hour minimum. Folks, that’s just $100 for a two-hour cruise for six people !

Learn more about Lake Effect Sailing .

Another Round Sailing offers private sailing charters in Erie, PA

Another Round Sailing

Captains Mike Gonzalez and Vito Randazzo invite groups of up to four people on their 28 foot sailboat, Another Round . Private sails are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays by appointment. Whether you are looking for a sightseeing cruise, to celebrate a special occasion, or to entertain summer visitors, contact Captain Mike to reserve.

The rate is $40 per hour for a minimum of two hours and $20 for each additional hour.  At $80 for a two-hour cruise for four people, this is an affordable luxury. Three hours for $100 is an even better deal.  Learn more about Another Round Sailing .

Sailboat Excursions Offered In Erie, PA

GROUP SAILING CHARTERS, ERIE PA

Introducing…the lettie g. howard.

Ready for adventure? A new option is available the summers of 2018 and 2019. The sailing vessel  Lettie G. Howard  will be in Erie, Pennsylvania on loan from the South Street Seaport Museum. Three sailing options are available:  a day sail, sunset sail, or “sail and anchor” near the “8 Great Tuesdays Concerts.”

Rates for the 90 minute day sail are $15 per child (under 12 years) or $25 per adult.

The 120 minute “sunset sail” is $20 per child (under 12) or $35 per adult.

A four-hour “sail and anchor” option is offered on Tuesdays during the “8 Great Tuesdays Concert Series” at Liberty Park for $59 for ages 21+ only.

The Flagship Niagara League of Erie, PA is coordinating the loan of the Lettie G. Howard from the South Street Seaport Museum and providing an online availability calendar and booking .

The Flagship Niagara

The historical tall ship, the Brig Niagara, calls Erie home. When she’s not touring the Great Lakes, she is available for day sails. If you love history, this is a great opportunity to learn about the Niagara’s role in The Battle of Lake Erie, a pivotal battle in the War of 1812.

This is not a luxury cruise. But it is fascinating for history lovers.

A four-hour day sail is $85. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Due to limited available, the Niagara sells out quickly.

Learn more about day sails on the Flagship Niagara at www.flagshipniagara.org.

Do you know of any other sailboat charters in the Erie area?  If so, do let me know!

Welcome Aboard!

Sailing Lake Erie from Fairport Harbor, Ohio

What are you interested in? 

The Finest Lake Erie Sailing Experience

A Unique Adventure

We offer two different programs, introduction to sailing and charters. The lessons consist of two different four-hour sessions, the first one is at the dock, and the second is out to sea. 

Our season runs from mid-June to mid-October (perhaps longer depending on weather). 

We always have a weather eye and keep your safety first and foremost in mind. 

Loved by Friends & Families

Captain Jim does a great job of accommodating the guests' needs, making them feel comfortable and safe while allowing everyone a chance to take the wheel or participate in the sailing experience. 

Beginning with a warm greeting, lessons began onshore, then moved onboard; getting everyone accustomed to the procedures, amenities, and expectations before setting sail, we had a fun time.

Carl T, Chardon, Ohio

Ready to Come Aboard?

We are ready to host you from mid-June until the end of October. 

Lake Erie alligator search enters Week Three. What we know

Erie residents are chomping at the bit to find out what's going on with the Lake Erie alligator.

According to Julie Slomski from the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, the start of week three of the alligator search has arrived without any additional sightings and no traps have been set.

Port Authority officials will continue to watch for any signs of the reptile. In the event evidence is found, Slomski said they will inform the public.

Employees at Presque Isle Angler on Lake Front Drive have not seen or heard anything new.

Anyone with information on the alligator can call the Port Authority at 814-455-7557.

More: Alligator sighting in Lake Erie? Officials investigate claim, share safety tips

When was the alligator first spotted?

The alligator was first spotted Aug. 4. Erie resident Stina Roach said she saw the animal about 20 to 30 yards out on Lake Erie.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission contacted animal trapper Paul Kaiser from  Best Wildlife Services , a wildlife removal business.

Swimming restricted on second day of search

On Aug. 6, the Port Authority noted that the number of people in search of the alligator had increased. A search conducted that evening did not yield any sighting of the alligator.

The Port Authority did restrict swimming in Lake Erie off of East Avenue on Aug. 7.

"We ask that visitors respect the signage throughout our footprint," Slomski said. "Especially where swimming is prohibited. Our goal is to ensure the safety of our visitors." Swimming in this area remains restricted as of Aug. 19.

Tracks found Aug. 7

Officials found suspected alligator footprints in the sand on Aug. 7 , but the waves made it difficult for experts to track them.

Eyewitnesses also told the Erie Times-News they had  spotted the alligator between the East Avenue boat launch and the former Erie Coke Plant at 925 East Bay Drive.

Where did the Lake Erie alligator come from?

There has not been confirmation as to how the suspected alligator ended up in Lake Erie.

Since there have been no sightings since Aug. 7, the reptile could be anywhere.

"They're not known for long-distance traveling," Mitchell said. "They often stay in a relatively small area, but he can be as far as Harbor Creek to maybe the New York state line. That's about as far east it would go. The further west it would go it becomes more crowded or popular or busier there, it might avoid that location (since) it wouldn't want to be around the people and boats."

Harbor Creek Supervisor Tim May told the Times-News that no alligator activity has been reported from Shades Beach.

Mitchell said it's most likely a gator would remain near the shore and come up on land to bask in the sun.

"They usually like a little cover, like high grass," Mitchell said. "But anywhere on the shoreline is where it would be most comfortable."

Flight over fight

Another concern for the alligator is the number of people searching for it.

Mitchell said alligators do not like crowds and aim to avoid them. In the event the reptile enters a crowded space, they will choose flight over fight if given the choice.

"If given the opportunity, it will move away," Mitchell said. "If it is cornered or has an opportunity to fight or is hungry, then it might fight, but if given the opportunity it will go the other way."

Email Nicholas Sorensen at [email protected] .

Madison Township man looks back on fatal boat crash and dismissal of criminal charges

Matt Mooney's 'mental hell' may never really be over. But, for the first time in nearly three years, he's opening up about the night of Nov. 16, 2021.

The 49-year-old Madison Township man was involved in a boat wreck on Lake Erie that left two men in another boat dead.

Four months later, Mooney was arrested and charged with two felony counts of reckless homicide , along with a misdemeanor count of operating a vessel in an unsafe manner.

He did nothing wrong.

Ultimately, the case was considered twice by a grand jury. The second session was prompted by new evidence, namely the autopsy of the driver of the second boat and an investigator's report prepared by an expert for the defense.

The case was dismissed on April 28, 2023.

Mooney, who is still shaken, sat down with the News Journal recently to share his story.

"It was a complete mental hell," he said.

Mooney looks back at night of Nov. 16, 2021

The night of the boat crash, Mooney and four of his fishing buddies were competing in the Walleye Fall Brawl, a derby on Lake Erie. Mooney and Matt Baker were in one boat, the Sea Nymph, while Phil May, John Allen and Bob Blanton were in the other.

All five men are avid fishermen. May, Allen and Blanton weren't having much luck. They were fishing in just 7 feet of water.

Mooney and Baker were faring much better in deeper water, so May turned his boat that way.

The decision proved crucial in helping the people involved in the collision. May was able to get there in time. The men, in a previous interview with the News Journal, agreed there wouldn't have been time to rescue Mooney and Baker from the 45-degree water if May and his cohorts had stayed put.

As May was navigating his boat to deeper water, he received a call from Mooney. His boat had been hit and was sinking.

The Galaxy, the other boat, was being piloted by James Muncy, 54, of Wakeman. His passenger was Wayde Lafferty, 55, of Vermilion.

According to the investigation, Muncy's boat struck Mooney's at an estimated 15-20 mph. Mooney was trolling at a low speed, defense attorney Troy Wisehart told the News Journal.

"After they hit us, we climbed up onto their boat," Mooney said. "I was afraid my boat was going to roll."

Muncy's boat struck Mooney's on the rear starboard side at the transom, according to the investigation. It was on top of Mooney's boat, pushing it deeper into the water.

"They were extremely worried about getting their boat off of mine; they were bound and determined," Mooney said. "They wouldn't put their life vests on. When they tried to start it, the boat started filling up with water."

Mooney jumped back in the water to go back to his boat, closely followed by Baker. They were wearing life vests.

'Colder than a mother-in-law's kiss'

"I could hear Matt (Baker) hollering. About that time, Phil (May) showed up," Mooney said. "The other boat had already sunk. They were gone. They never put their life vests on."

Mooney made it back to his boat and was standing in about 2 feet of water, when Blanton pulled him to safety.

Meanwhile, Baker was in trouble. He was still in the water and was struggling despite wearing a life vest. He previously told the News Journal that he was prepared to die that night.

Allen tried to reach Baker with a net but was unsuccessful. Blanton gave it a shot and managed to bring Baker back to the other boat.

May previously told the News Journal he didn't think Baker would have lasted much longer in the frigid water.

"It was colder than a mother-in-law's kiss," May said in November 2021.

After rescuing their friend, the local contingent tried to help the other boaters.

The crew heard Lafferty crying out for help and pulled him out of the water. Blanton next called his daughter, who is a nurse, and put her on speakerphone as he attempted CPR on Lafferty.

Blanton performed CPR for the next 30 minutes, aided by Mooney.

"He was already blue and purple when we pulled him out of the water," Mooney said. "He was puking up beer and liquor as long as I can remember."

Lafferty, who had a blood-alcohol content of 0.16, didn't make it.

Insane 'rush to judgment'

There were no signs of Muncy, whose body was not recovered until May 19, 2022, nearly six months after the collision. Lafferty's autopsy was released two days before. Both men died by drowning.

Prior to that recovery, Mooney had been indicted. He was arrested at his home on March 12, 2022.

"He's arrested by 10 guys in riot gear and the whole nine yards. You've got to be kidding me. This isn't El Chapo," said Allen, a former Richland County prosecutor. "The rush to judgment is just insane. They didn't even have the Lafferty autopsy until May 17.

"I have never seen a case where a prosecuting attorney charged a homicide without an autopsy. I don't think Matt fully understands because he's so mad about what happened."

Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter told the News Journal there was not a rush to judgment, that his office waited several months before charging Mooney.

Mooney spent five hours in custody. Allen contacted Jerry Ault, then a Mansfield Municipal Court judge, to plead his friend's case.

"This isn't like I call judges all the time," Allen said. "Ault called the jail and said to release Matt on his own personal recognizance."

Mooney said the arrest triggered the trauma all over again.

"I felt like I was just starting to get back to normal, and then the cops showed up and started banging on my house," he said. "It screwed me up bad."

Mooney had been seeing a therapist.

"Having that guy (Lafferty) die on us while we were trying to give him CPR and almost losing my buddy, it really changed the way I see a lot of stuff," he said. "When I got arrested, it set me off."

Mooney said people made comments to his younger daughter while she was at school.

"I was completely embarrassed to go anywhere," he said. "I didn't want to be seen in public."

The white light

The issue that led to Mooney being charged was a navigation light that was supposed to be in place. Jason Albanese, an investigator with the Division of Parks & Watercraft, which is part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, interviewed Mooney, Allen and Baker.

Mooney and Allen said they did not think Albanese, who has since retired, believed their story.

"From that point on, I knew I was in trouble," Mooney said.

Baxter provided a copy of Albanese's report to the News Journal.

In his summary, Albanese wrote, "With the cap to the stern light base closed and lack of damage to the stern light base housing, the two prongs inside the base, the area around the base and the area of impact on the Galaxy, it was determined the Sea Nymph (Mooney's boat) did not have an all-around white light inserted into the base."

Mooney, indeed, was in trouble.

Allen and Mooney's wife, Jodi, scrambled to find a defense attorney to take his case and found Wisehart, who practices in Erie County.

"I was literally praying about it," Allen said. "He answered the phone on a Sunday morning. Jodi also approved. He believed Matt from the minute he talked to him."

Wisehart gave the News Journal his impression of the case.

"I don't feel like it ever should have been indicted," the defense attorney said. "They hadn't recovered the body of one of the deceased. I feel for the people who lost loved ones."

Wisehart acknowledged lights might have been difficult to discern that night. The crash happened a half-mile offshore, between the Huron River and Cranberry Creek Marina. There would have been other lights on shore that could have caused a distraction.

"Matt had the appropriate navigation lights in," the attorney said. "(Impact) pried the stern light off."

While investigators thought the stern light was not there, "that was definitely not the case," Wisehart said.

The defense hired Wendy Sanders, a licensed professional mechanical engineer and consultant with Explico Engineering, a Michigan company. Sanders has forensic engineering expertise in marine and automotive accident reconstruction.

Allen provided the News Journal with a copy of her report on the case.

"It took her under two minutes to find an imprint of my light on the boat," Mooney said. "When I saw the picture of the imprint, that proved my light was in."

Could have been avoided

Sanders ruled the navigation lights were on at the time of the collision and would have been visible for 2 miles in fair nighttime conditions.

"Most significantly, the all-around white light was positioned directly in front of the approaching Galaxy vessel," she wrote. "As such, the operator of the Galaxy vessel had sufficient time to avoid the collision had he been keeping a proper lookout."

Mooney said he and Baker yelled out to the oncoming boat.

In her report, Sanders said it is "generally unsafe (and often against the law)" to come within 100 feet of another vessel at speeds greater than idle speed.

"The impact alignment also indicates that the Galaxy vessel was not significantly rolled to one side or another, indicating that it was not turning at the time of the collision," Sanders wrote.

She issued her report on Sept. 23, 2022. In the interim, the defense team received a copy of Muncy's autopsy on July 27.

Six months after his body was recovered, Muncy's blood-alcohol content was 0.09, above Ohio's legal driving limit of 0.08.

'This guy didn't do any of that'

Baxter said the autopsy was a factor in his decision to call a second grand jury since Muncy was the boat's driver.

"There is a certain amount of alcohol that will be released in decomposition," the Erie County prosecutor said. "The question is how much. Toxicologists are conservative about how a person reacts to alcohol. That was a new wrinkle in the case.

"I thought we needed to take this back to a grand jury to give them newly discovered evidence. If you want to present some evidence, I'm all for it. I want to get to the truth."

Sanders was called to testify.

"Dr. Sanders said after her testimony, the foreman of the jury looked around and said, 'What are we doing here? This guy didn't do any of that,''' Allen said.

Baxter recommended dismissing the case, exonerating Mooney.

In his 50-year career, Allen said he has never had a prosecutor take a case to grand jury a second time.

"If a person is charged with a crime and the grand jury said probably a crime was committed and probably this guy did it, it's the prosecution's job to prove beyond a reasonable doubt," he said. "Matt Mooney wasn't found not guilty. He was found innocent, which is the best of all findings."

During pretrial hearings, before the second grand jury, Allen said Erie County offered a plea bargain in which Mooney would plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter but would serve no jail time.

Allen was defiant as he recalled the negotiations.

"We're pleading to nothing, absolutely nothing," he said. "If you want to charge us with spitting on the sidewalk, we ain't doing that. That's an admission right there that the state had nothing."

Wisehart credited Baxter for taking another look at the case.

"I've seen worse cases indicted," the defense attorney said. "I have a lot of respect for the prosecutor's office, and I'm glad that it turned out right for my client."

Baxter called the case "a tragedy all the way around."

Edgy but on the water again

For Mooney, life is still getting back to normal. He said he went back on the water 12 days after the wreck but felt "extremely edgy." He's still a little leery on Lake Erie when other boats get close.

"I still wanted to fish, but it messed with me," he said.

Allen called his friend something of a legend among local fishermen, along with being a safe boater.

"As a fisherman, Matt could catch a walleye on I-71," Allen said with a smile. "He wouldn't even think of breaking a game law. You could lose your license."

Mooney said the events of Nov. 16, 2021, changed the way he looks at life, knowing he, too, could have been lost that night.

He vows to continue fishing.

"That's my safe place," Mooney said. "It takes me away."

[email protected]

419-521-7219

X: @MarkCau32059251

Democrats are turning their focus to the future under a potential Kamala Harris administration in the second day of the DNC.

• What to expect

Grinning gator spotted swimming in Lake Erie; beachgoers urged to exercise caution

by WKRC Staff

ERIE, Penn. (WKRC) — An alligator was spotted swimming in Lake Erie.

According to WJW, beachgoers in Erie, Pennsylvania spotted an alligator Sunday, near the East Avenue Boat Launch. Per the outlet, several individuals claimed to have seen a four-to five-foot-long alligator, with eyewitnesses contacting authorities, who then passed the information along to the Erie Port Authority.

"We’ve been very diligent in making sure to keep an eye on the water and of course on the land. We’ve not had a sighting since then. We have a team in place that is just monitoring our entire footprint and of course, on the water, just to make sure everyone is safe,” Erie Port Authority Executive Director Julie Slomski told WJW.

Slomski said the port authority is working with trappers and are in contact with professionals in the south that have experience with alligators. WJW reported that signs have been erected in the area that warns that an alligator has been spotted in the lake, and that beachgoers should exercise caution.

Reptile experts at the Erie Zoo told WJW they don't believe the alligator would survive the Erie winter and hope that it will be captured soon.

"They do go into a hibernation sort of thing called brumation where they won’t eat quite as much during the winter and their bodies will slow down because they’re cold-blooded versus us and other mammals that are warm-blooded. They need the sun, they need the heat to be able to metabolize anything that they do eat,” Darren Julius, a reptile keeper at the Erie Zoo, told WJW.

Julius told the outlet that due to the alligator's size, it's likely around two to four years old, which he said means it'll primarily feed on tadpoles, frogs, fish or smaller mammals.

According to the station, it is believed that the alligator was an exotic pet that somehow found its way into the lake.

“It’s definitely more scared of you than you are of it, so it’ll probably just swim away from you anytime you’re within like 10 feet of it. It’s not really going to come after you,” Julius told WJW.

When speaking to WJW, Port Authority officials confirmed it will monitor the area.

“Again, the concern is if somebody just released it in the bay like what we’re hearing happened, it’s disappointing because again, it puts many people in danger along with the gator itself,” Slomski told the outlet.

Anyone who spots the alligator can call 814-455-7557 extension 223.

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Steam-Boat on Lake Erie. Vig. XXXII

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library > Steam-Boat on Lake Erie. Vig. XXXII

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On Lake Geneva, the mail comes by boat

This summer, an all-female crew is making the deliveries.

For the first time in its 108-year history, all five of the letter carriers this summer aboard the U.S. Mailboat Walworth on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin are women.

Known as jumpers, these special carriers leap from the moving boat onto piers to run the mail to mailboxes, collect outgoing mail and then jump back onto the boat, which is moving at 5 mph.

The jumpers serve 75 homes along the shore.

It’s a job that takes athleticism and attention to detail while offering a distinct opportunity for summer hires who make the cut.

Seasonal tryouts for high school and college-age candidates are held every year in early June.

Applicants are also required to have at least one year of experience as an employee of the Lake Geneva Cruise Line, which operates the mailboat.

More than a dozen applicants tried out this year for the five jumper spots. The jumpers also act as tour guides on the 2.5-hour mailboat trip that runs 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily during the summer.

Marie Nickolette and Marissa Torres-Raby are returning mailboat jumpers who said they are proud to be a part of the first all-female team. Both are 20-year-old University of Wisconsin students and former high school track runners.

“It’s the perfect summer job. It’s definitely a good way to get your steps in for the day. I just think it’s really a unique experience that not many people can say they do,” Nickolette said.

Torres-Raby has family ties to the position: Her siblings also worked for the Lake Geneva Cruise Line, including a brother who was a mailboat jumper.

“I wanted to work where they worked,” she said.

Mailboat jumpers are selected based on athletic skill and delivery, their ability to narrate tour information and for their overall enthusiasm.

The boat operates seven days a week and holidays, with daily newspaper delivery included. The jumpers also clean the boat as part of their duties and sell stamped postcards for tourists.

There are three jumpers on the boat during each tour. One is at the back of the boat in case one of the jumpers falls in and needs to be fished out. The jumpers wear life jackets that inflate as soon as they touch the water.

No one has fallen in the water this summer, but Nickolette said she fell in on her first day last year.

When it rains, there’s an art to what they do.

“You have to pattern your feet really quickly, so you don’t just jump and slide on the piers,” she said.

The Lake Geneva Cruise Line has a team of veteran mailboat jumpers who will take over the delivery route when the college students return to school before the last weeks of the summer season.

“All of our employees think it is a neat and unique way for our customers to receive mail, and of course they do not mind getting to hand off some of their packages,” said local Postmaster Christopher Taylor Jr.

Customers must request mailboat delivery each year, including filling out a change-of-address form.

USPS resumes normal delivery for the lakeside addresses once the season, which runs mid-June to mid-September, ends.

“This is a tradition the Lake Geneva Post Office is known for throughout the country, and we get many visitors from various parts of the country inquiring on the mailboat,” Taylor said.

Post-story highlights

More to read.

This group sends greeting cards to strangers

Random Acts of Cardness uses mail to lift spirits

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A customer mailed handwritten letters to all 580 of her Facebook friends

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7-year-old found safe after boat capsizes on fishing trip; her 2 grandfathers found dead

A 7-year-old girl was found safe while her grandfather and great-grandfather died after their boat capsized during a fishing trip at a park in Illinois.

The two men from Indiana were fishing with their 7-year-old granddaughter at the LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, about an hour and a half from Chicago, when their boat, a 17-foot Crestliner, capsized, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said in a news release Monday. The girl was wearing a life jacket while the two men were not, police said.

Children shot: 4 children, ages 11-14, shot while driving around in stolen car in Minneapolis, police say

'Distressed boater'

Authorities received a 911 call "about a distressed boater at the 2,000-acre lake near Marseilles" shortly after noon Sunday, the news release said. They arrived at the scene to find a capsized vessel and the little girl on the shore with park visitors who came to her aid. The visitors also helped in contacting her mother and grandmother.

First responders from multiple agencies assisted in searching for the two men who fell into the water. They were recovered in the evening around 7:45 p.m. and were pronounced dead on scene by the LaSalle County coroner, the department said.

While the identities of the two men were not released, the news release said the girl's grandfather from Merrillville, Indiana was 53 and her great-grandfather from Gary, Indiana was 80.

An investigation into the incident and what caused the vessel to capsize is ongoing.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.