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.
