On the lake....

LakeCruiser · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2010

Someone asked me why have a larger sailboat on a lake. Well, Champlain is not only large (8,234 square miles and 110 miles long, but it's open to the south and north ends. The lake actually flows north, into Quebec, via the Richelieu River, into the St. Lawrence seaway. You can head south (mast down) via the 60-mile Champlain Canal, through 13 locks, to the upper Hudson River, and head down the coast. Marinas abound and are reasonable, given the short season. Depths are no issue, while there are some marked rocks and a few reefs, average depth is 64 feet, with a max of 400 feet. Winds are more than adequate, and can hit well over 40 kts if a front comes running down over the Adirondack range. Though I don't fish, there are plenty in the lake, with a lake record 26 lb trout taken this past summer during the fishing contest. Last summer was my first as an owner, though I've sailed quite a few times and have taken some courses in Annapolis. My favorite sailing is on my friends boat in Tortola. My boat is a Hunter 376, which I bought basically as a summer home. Three major selling points were the separate freezer, separate fridge, and the built-in microwave. I can't wait long for my morning coffee and I can nuke it in 2 minutes! I'll post a few photo's when I figure out how! Fair winds!

bljones · #2 (**permalink**) 11-13-2010

Welcome aboard, lake cruiser. Never explain why you sail what you sail where you sail. Those who get it, get it. Those who don't.... er, don't.

LakeCruiser · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2010

I also hope I haven't spoiled things, as it's sort of a well-kept secret just how nice it is up there!

bljones · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2010

if i dismember correctly, a longlost member here, Labatt, sailed his passport 40 out of Lake Champlain. Don't worry , i won't tell anyone how great Lake Champlain sailing is- besides, Champy scares me- we only have mutant pickerel and asian carp to worry about here.