LAKE CHAMPLAIN SAIL

• USBBF
• Latitude: 44.4822
• Longitude: -73.224
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

Lake Champlain Sail

Location:
Lake Champlain is nestled between the states of Vermont and New York in the United States and extends northward into Quebec, Canada. This large freshwater lake plays host to numerous marinas, boating facilities, and ports renowned for sailing and recreational boating.

Geographical Coordinates:
Latitude: Approximately 44.5° N
Longitude: Approximately 73.3° W

Primary Ports and Marinas:

1. Burlington Community Boathouse (Vermont):

   • Location: Burlington, VT
   • Features: Offers transient and seasonal slips, restrooms, showers, pump-out services, electrical and water hookups, and a fuel dock. It provides easy access to downtown Burlington, with amenities such as restaurants, shops, and hotels.

2. Shelburne Shipyard (Vermont):

   • Location: Shelburne, VT
   • Features: Full-service marina providing boat repairs, indoor and outdoor storage, a chandlery, transient slips, fuel services, and amenities like restrooms and showers.

3. Westport Marina (New York):

   • Location: Westport, NY
   • Features: Family-friendly marina with boat slips, rental boats, restrooms, showers, a ship store, and picnic areas. The marina also offers fishing, kayak rentals, and beautiful views of the Adirondack Mountains.

4. Malletts Bay Marina (Vermont):

   • Location: Colchester, VT
   • Features: Situated in a protected bay, offering slips, boat rentals, repair services, a ship's store, gas dock, and amenities like restrooms and showers.

5. Vergennes Falls Basin (Vermont):

   • Location: Vergennes, VT
   • Features: A charming and quiet mooring area with access to restaurants and shops in downtown Vergennes. The facility offers limited mooring options and is noted for its waterfall and scenic views.

Key Specifications and Amenities:

• Water Depth: Varies across different areas, generally accommodating sailboats and motorboats.
• Navigation: Charting includes marked navigation channels, buoys, and lighthouses. Depths can be challenging, and sailors should stay updated with local navigation charts.
• Fuel Services: Available at most major marinas and ports.
• Boat Repair and Maintenance: Several marinas offer comprehensive repair and maintenance services, including engine repairs, hull maintenance, painting, and rigging adjustments.
• Mooring: Both transient and seasonal mooring options are available with reservations recommended during peak seasons.
• Safety: All marinas feature safety measures such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, life rings, and access to emergency services.
• Recreation: Opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, with some marinas offering rental equipment and guided tours.
• Dining and Shopping: Many marinas are within walking distance of downtown areas with restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to visitors.

Climate:

• Summer: Warm with temperatures ranging between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Ideal for sailing and water activities.
• Winter: Cold with temperatures often below freezing. Lake Champlain can freeze, leading to different recreational activities like ice fishing and skating.

Transport Links:

• Airports: Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont is the nearest major airport, providing domestic and limited international flights.
• Road Access: Interstate 89 and other major highways provide easy access to the lake's shorelines.

Environmental Responsibility:

• Protection Efforts: Lake Champlain is subject to environmental protection efforts, including water quality monitoring and invasive species management. Boaters are encouraged to follow all local guidelines to protect this valuable natural resource.