our team
Captain Scott Hitz
I grew up on the family farm on the shore of Lake Erie where hard work and perseverance were valued above all other qualities. Days were long in the hot summer sun and my daily reward was a swim in Lake Erie.
As luck would have it, when I was about 10, I vacationed with family at a waterside cottage and invited to sail on a small sailboat. I had never seen a sailboat up close before and was hooked after one sail! Little did I know that twenty-four years would pass before I would get another chance. Sailing had made an indelible mark on me and I was determined to seek it out. How though? I knew no one with a boat.
I seized my second chance when it came, and for the past 16 years learned to sail as part of a crew in our local weeknight races on Presque Isle Bay. Racing sailboats is similar to racing cars. One learns the impact that each adjustment has on boat speed. Racing also teaches you how to handle a boat in all weather conditions. I’ve also spent time teaching high schoolers how to sail, to build wooden boats, and to navigate them. I love sharing the experience.
I quickly realized what a privilege it is to experience sailing in one of the few naturally protected ports on the Great Lakes. I learned that those of us who call Erie our home are fortunate to utilize this rare natural resource and made the decision to share it with others.
In 2020, I studied intently for the formidable US Coast Guard captains exam and earned a 25 ton master credential including auxiliary sailing and towing endorsements. I can assure you that anyone with US Coast Guard captain credentials has a comprehensive understanding of what they are doing. The 270 question exam included parts requiring a 90% or greater score to pass.
I founded this company with the goal to share the sailing experience with everyone. I’ve loved it since I was a kid and I hope you will too.
Captain Dave Hyland
Like so many bodies of water I’ve had the pleasure of sailing, my boating heritage runs broad and deep. From an early age, I fondly recall canoeing and river rafting with my father on the waters of Ohio and West Virginia and powerboating on Lake Erie and Huron.
Early on, I discovered sailing in a Windmill racing dinghy on Tampa Bay, but thirty years would pass before I bought my own small racing dinghy and really rolled up my sleeves. That dinghy would become a great tool that honed my skills for about ten years. Sailing can be experienced in so many ways and I thought it was time to further explore the hobby. So, I bought a small cruiser and began crewing on a friend’s capable thirty-three-foot racer/cruiser which we raced extensively on Lake Erie for about six years. Racing sailboats is a very different experience than cruising. So, I learned all crew positions from tactician to trimmer to skipper and even foredeck crewman. During this time, I also explored sailing Chautauqua Lake while racing my one-person racing dinghy and competing nationally as a member of an e-scow team. In 2007, it was once again time to explore a new facet of racing and so I cheerfully delved into multi-hull racing on an acquaintance’s Corsair F-27 trimaran which I still enjoy today. All told, I’ve raced or crewed on seventeen boats in total. In 2016, I bought my own thirty-seven-foot racer/cruiser monohull for cruising, and occasionally racing long distances.
I’ve participated in more than twelve long-distance offshore regatta events. Most notable were the St. Petersburg-Habana Race, Bermuda Ocean Race, Annapolis-Newport Race, Key West Rendezvous, and the Trans-Erie Yacht Race.
In 2019, I broadened my knowledge and seamanship and became a Captain certified by the US Coast Guard.
Fun Concierge, LuAnn Gatti
Welcome aboard! As your fun concierge, I'll be accompanying you on your adventure. I enjoy kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, biking, and will try anything at least once. I've rappelled off nine story bridges, conquered a mile of fixed-anchor rock climbing, and swam with sharks. I am also the President and Group Training Officer of Northwest Pennsylvania K9 Search and Rescue. I am first aid and CPR certified and have training in wilderness first aid as well. I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure and a fun time! I'm looking forward to helping your inner adventurer create fun memories to be remembered forever.
Mate, Joseph Kumer
Always quick with a smile and a laugh, Joseph loves sailing and he’s good company too! A few years ago, he became interested in sailing and has embraced a hobby which for some, takes a lifetime to master. A life-long learner, “Seph” also holds a pilot’s license, is a notary, possesses his diving certifications, and has many, many more accomplishments. Joseph helps sail the boat and cares for our guests.
100% no-risk weather guarantee
Book your sailing adventure experience with peace of mind knowing that if the weather takes a turn for the worse, we’ll give you a refund. After all, it’s important to us that you have a pleasant experience.
“Book now! Such a beautiful way to experience Lake Erie! Can’t wait to book again for another lesson and to experience the beautiful sunsets Erie is known for. Thanks for the awesome experience!”
MARCOS & TRISH D, ADVENTURERS