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American Sailing Tours · Inner Harbor Marina

A six-guest schooner sail out to the fort

A captain and a deckhand take six guests at most on a small schooner from the Inner Harbor Marina, past the historic ships and the aquarium and out to Fort McHenry. It is the only sail here whose listing promises the fort, and with six people aboard it feels like a friend's boat.

Small-Group Schooner Sail to Fort McHenry

About this experience

American Sailing Tours sails small schooners from the Inner Harbor Marina on Key Highway, next to the Rusty Scupper restaurant. It runs two boats: the 48-foot Summer Wind and a smaller red schooner, which is the one in this listing's photos. A crew member meets you at the dock gate, and the listing promises a sail past the historic ships and the National Aquarium and out to Fort McHenry, all "passing by". Bottled water is on board, and the operator lets you bring your own food and drinks.

What you see of the fort is the view from the river: the low star of the ramparts, the flag and the guns of the outer battery. The boat does not land, and entry is not included. The star fort costs $15 per adult aged 16 and over (under 16 free), sold only by the National Park Service at the visitor center desk or on recreation.gov.

Check the season before you plan around it. When we read the listing on 16 October 2026, the first open date was in late May 2027, so treat this as a late spring to early fall trip. Also manage the narration: two guests in summer 2024 said they got a lovely ride rather than the informative tour they expected. Ask the captain questions and you get answers; expect long stretches of quiet sailing otherwise. Most recent reviews date from 2024, and Viator showed $75 for a Saturday against the $65 from-price.

  • Six guests at most, often fewer
  • The only sail listing that heads out to Fort McHenry
  • Historic ships, the National Aquarium and the skyline from the water
  • Captain and deckhand, bottled water included
  • Bring your own snacks and drinks

How the day runs

  1. 10 min beforeMeet at the dock gate

    Inner Harbor Marina, 400 Key Hwy, beside the Rusty Scupper. Park in the lot at 402 Key Hwy. A crew member meets you at the gate; the boat leaves on time.

  2. StartOut past the historic ships

    Motor out of the marina and past the USS Constellation and the National Aquarium while the crew raises sail.

  3. MiddleDown the harbor to Fort McHenry

    With the wind behind you, the schooner runs down the harbor past Locust Point to the fort on its point.

  4. TurnThe fort from the water

    The boat passes the fort without landing. This is the photo stop, with the star fort low on the water and the flag above it.

  5. Last half hourBack to Key Highway

    Beat back toward the skyline and the marina, 90 minutes after you left.

Aerial view of the five-pointed star fort of Fort McHenry on its green point in Baltimore harborA small red schooner with blue sail covers moored at a wooden dock in BaltimoreA small schooner under full sail heeling in a breeze on the water

What's included

Included

  • 90-minute sail with a skipper and deckhand
  • Bottled water
  • Views of Fort McHenry from the water
  • Small group of 6 at most
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not included

  • Fort McHenry entry ($15 per adult, sold only by the NPS)
  • A landing at the fort
  • Food and alcohol: bring your own
  • Tips for the crew
  • Wheelchair access

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want the fort from the water without 75 other people
  • You are a couple or a small family who wants the boat almost to yourselves
  • You like the idea of sail over diesel
  • You are happy to ask questions rather than listen to a script

Skip it if

  • You want a narrated history tour: take the history boat instead
  • You have back or heart problems, or are pregnant (the listing advises against it)
  • You use a wheelchair: the boat is not accessible
  • You are visiting before late spring 2027: no dates were open

What guests say

★★★★★

Captain Tom & Ono were fantastic hosts. We had a private tour, all questions were answered. This was an informative trip on a beautiful day!

Wendy · Sep 2024
★★★★★

Nice sail on a hot hot day. Captain Sam was knowledgable and skilled. Make sure to bring sunscreen and water!

Sara · Jun 2024
★★★★★

Relaxing experience that gives you a chance to see the inner harbor of Baltimore city. The staff were welcoming and hospitable.

Elaina · Aug 2023

Tips before you book

  • Weekdays are cheaper: Viator showed $65 from-price and $75 on a Saturday.
  • Ask the captain to point out the fort and tell the 1814 story. Two 2024 guests wanted more commentary, and the crew answer questions readily.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat. There is no shade to speak of on a small schooner in July.
  • The seat cushions are thin, a guest says. A folded jacket helps.
  • Book the whole boat if you are six: a maximum of 6 people per booking means your group fills it.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the schooner stop at Fort McHenry?

No. The listing says the boat sails out to Fort McHenry and passes it. You see it from the water and do not land. Fort entry ($15 per adult, free under 16) is sold only by the National Park Service.

When does the schooner sail?

It is a warm-season trip. On 16 October 2026 the first date open on Viator was in late May 2027. Sails leave from the Inner Harbor Marina at 400 Key Hwy.

Can I bring wine on the schooner?

The operator lets guests bring their own food and drinks, including alcohol, on its harbor sails. Bottled water is provided. For a sail built around wine at sunset, see the BYOB sunset sail.

Is there narration?

There is no recorded commentary. The captain and deckhand talk about the harbor and answer questions, and some guests found that too little. If you want a guide talking the whole time, the history boat suits you better.

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Book Schooner sail to the fort

A small schooner, six guests at most, sailing out from the Inner Harbor to Fort McHenry.

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Plan your date before you go

A small schooner, six guests at most, sailing out from the Inner Harbor to Fort McHenry.

Check dates for the schooner sail to the fort