In the news
Seven Days – Burlington’s Community Sailing Center Makes Lake Champlain Accessible to All
July 7, 2021 | 7D Brand Studio
If you’ve ever been to Burlington, you’ve no doubt seen Lake Champlain. The lake, with the Adirondacks rising up on the New York side behind it, is hard to miss, especially driving down Main Street from I-89.
But have you ever seen Burlington from the water? Getting out on the lake offers a different, and refreshing, perspective on Vermont’s largest city. There are mountains visible behind Burlington, too!
You don’t need to own a boat to see them; you can rent one from the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center. Founded in 1994, and now located next to the Andy A_Dog Williams Skatepark and the Moran Frame, the nonprofit Sailing Center is a valuable community resource serving more than 8,000 visitors a year. It’s the only facility of its kind on Lake Champlain.
In addition to offering classes and camps for adults and kids, it also rents sailboats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Rentals have been restricted to season passholders so far this summer, but they’re opening up to the general public on July 12.
Offering water access to all, regardless of age, ability or income, has always been a key part of the organization’s mission. “The Sailing Center makes it possible for anyone to get out on the water,” says executive director Owen Milne.
NECN – 13 Don’t-Miss Destinations for Your Vermont Summer Getaway
By Jack Thurston
necn’s Vacation Week criss-crossed the Green Mountain State
Whether you’re looking for peaceful relaxation, an outdoor adventure, or a food tour that you’ll remember long after you’ve cleaned your plate, Vermont has something for everyone!
Here are the Green Mountain State destinations necn visited during our vacation week…
My Champlain Valley – Burlington’s Community Sailing Center opens its doors
By: Haley Bouley | Jun 01, 2018
The Community Sailing Center is opening its doors to the public.
On Friday, organizers kicked off the opening weekend with a christening by smashing a bottle of champagne on the side of the building.
The sailing programs new home, which for many years ran out of the neighboring Moran building, includes classrooms for yearlong learning, indoor bathrooms and the space to continue to promote the community use of Lake Champlain.
WCAX – An inside look at the new Burlington Community Sailing Center
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) It wasn’t a ribbon cutting, but a christening at the new Community Sailing Center. People who helped bring the state of the art facility to Burlington’s waterfront where given a chance to smash a bottle of champagne to celebrate its opening.
Ashley Sullivan was there in honor of her dad, Raymond P. Sullivan, after whom the education center is named.
“Ray was a sailor, an adventurer who always believed in the endless possibilities that lie ahead. His motto, ‘You haven’t sailed until you run a ground,’ is Ray simply saying you never know what you can accomplish in this life unless you tried,” Sullivan said.
“Our hope is very simple — that generations of children of families of adults will play here. They will learn to love, embrace and care for this beautiful lake and they will hold it as theirs for their entire lifetime,” said Karen Marshall, a member of the center’s board.
The late philanthropist Tony Pomerleau also donated money for the $5.7 million project…
CCTV – On the Waterfront: Sail Away! Community Sailing Center Interview
In the latest episode of “On the Waterfront” with Melinda Moulton, a series in which she sheds light on a variety of waterfront-based organizations and people in our community, Melinda interviews our Executive Director Owen Milne about his position here and the CSC’s vision and goals.
The CSC is thrilled to be part of such a thriving and collaborative waterfront community, where every organization and event plays a unique role in expanding our community’s connection to Lake Champlain.
2018 Paddle Board Rentals: The Ultimate Guide
Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest-growing sport in the world right now, and for good reason. It’s a sport that is easy to learn, and individuals of all ages and skill levels can benefit from the numerous health benefits and enjoyment that it offers.
Buying a paddle board is definitely an investment, however, and newcomers to the sport often want to rent a few times before taking the plunge and buying their own board. This is a smart decision, and there are many great rental shops across the U.S. that can set you up with a high-quality SUP rental, instructional classes, and guided paddling tours.
InflatableBoarder.com compiled a beautifully designed guide of all of the best paddle board rental locations in the US! Organized by state, this free guide is a super convenient way to go on your next paddling adventure. Check out the Community Sailing Center listing on page 145!
The Boston Globe – So Long Summer: Ideas for (unofficially) the last weekend of the season
By Lauren Daley Globe Correspondent
The unofficial last weekend of summer is upon us, and we’ve got a few days left to savor the season. From stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Champlain to worth-the-trip ice cream in Maine, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots in New England for one last hurrah.
Paddle and pedal like a champ
One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Lake Champlain is to stand on it. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, or a kayak or canoe, from Community Sailing Center, and paddle the majestic waters of Burlington, Vt. Look out for Champ, Vermont’s own fabled version of Loch Ness’s Nessie. 234 Penny Lane. 802-864-2499. communitysailingcenter.org.
FOX – WFFF Fox-44 Morning News Live – Stand Up For The Lake happening this Saturday
Burlington, VT – Ninth Annual Stand Up For The Lake event happening Saturday – This weekend, paddleboard enthusiasts from across the area will make their way to Burlington’s Waterfront for the 9th Annual Stand Up For The Lake event, hosted by WND&WVS. Erin spent the morning learning more about the event.
ABC -22 Local News – New and Improved Sailing Center Almost Ready to Open
Burlington, Vt. – It’s almost time to set sail from a new and improved sailing center in Burlington.
Community Sailing Center Executive Director Owen Milne said the center’s mission is to make the lake accessible to everyone and they realized about 10 years ago that they wouldn’t be able to do that in their current building. The Community Sailing Center has been running out of a garage.
Milne said he is excited for the new space that is located just north of the current center and the skate park by the Burlington waterfront. He said it is in a better location, has more storage and have classrooms.
NBC – Channel 5 WPTZ – Behind the Scenes at the Sailing Center
What makes the new sailing center special, and how builders hope it will encourage sailors of all abilities to enjoy Lake Champlain.
BURLINGTON, Vt. —
Outgoing Executive Director Naud said the new Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center is set to be the first net-zero community waterfront facility in the entire country, which fits the sailing group’s mission.
“Well, sailing, for us, is our middle name. Community is our first name,” Naud said.
And the center’s last name might as well be eco-friendly…
