Offering inclusive opportunities for all to learn and practice sailing skills while enjoying the unique beauty of Lake Champlain from the Museum’s harbor! We initiated a sailing program at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in 2021 with support from our community. With our fleet of custom sailing dinghies built in the Museum’s boat shop, sailors of all skill levels can experience the joy of being out on the water. Scroll down to learn more about our boats and to plan your next sailing outing.
Programs and Classes
Open Dinghy Sailing Hours
For those with sailing experience, open sailing hours and rentals are available on weekday afternoons and select weekends! Check for upcoming Open Dinghy Sailing dates and reservations.
Introduction to Sailing
On select dates throughout the season we offer introductory-level classes for adults and teens to learn how to sail. Check for upcoming classes on our calendar.
The Split Rock Dinghy Regatta
For all who have joined us for sailing during the season, show off your sailing skills in our fall regatta! A fun-focused community regatta, this event will include races, competitions, games, and food. Check our calendar for the next event.
About the Fleet
Currently all sailing programs and classes at the Museum use our fleet of custom-designed Split Rock Dinghies. These vessels were designed for the Museum by yacht designer JP Donovan and all five were built under the supervision of boat builder Charlie Beyer by boat building students and apprentices in the Museum’s boat shop.
The Split Rock Dinghy is 11’ and 90 pounds and was designed to be a teaching tool for all abilities on the water, as well as in the boat shop. The construction covers a wide range of materials and methods beginning with the lapstrake plywood hull, continuing into the carbon and fiberglass laminates and culminating in the careful joinery of the rails and the space age carbon-foam foils of the boards.
Once launched, the Split Rock Dinghy responds quickly under sail making it an excellent platform for beginners to learn and progress quickly as each correct move is rewarded almost instantly. A simple craft, these boats are also exciting for experienced sailors as they eliminate extraneous controls in favor of showcasing the fundamental joy of being on the water in a fast, responsive dinghy.
Split Rock Dinghy Specifications:
- 11’ long
- 90 pounds
- 6mm okume hulls
- Carbon interiors
- 4oz fiberglass on exteriors
- Foam core carbon boards
- Laser 4.7 rig sails
Preparing for your Sailing Program or Class
We want to make sure everyone has a great experience sailing at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum! To help you prepare, here are some important things to know. A more detailed guide will be included in your confirmation email when you sign up for a class or event or book a rental:
- The Split Rock Dinghy is a small boat. Each boat can fit up to two adults or one adult and two children. You will be seated on the floor and space is limited. If you’re coming to Open Sailing with a group, please plan and make your reservations accordingly.
- The Museums provides personal flotation devices (PFDs) for adults and children, but you are also welcome to bring your own.
- Wear clothing and footwear that can get wet and store all personal items and electronics in a safe location or water-tight bag. The Museum does not provide dry bags.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, or other sun protection.
- Walk-ins for all Open Sailing times on weekdays and weekends are accepted but availability is not guaranteed. We recommend you book your preferred time slot ahead of time so your time and boat(s) are reserved!
- All sailing programs depart and return to the Museum’s North Harbor. All sailing participants must keep within general view of the harbor while on the water. Museum staff will be present with a safety boat to monitor and provide assistance as needed.
- All sailing programs and classes are subject to inclement weather and may be cancelled in the event of high winds, thunderstorms, or heavy rain. If your reservation is cancelled by the Museum due to weather, we will refund you the amount paid or transfer your reservation to another date.
- If you have any questions or special accommodation requests for accessing the dinghies, contact Matt Harrison, Sailing Programs Manager, at least 24 hours in advance at MattH@lcmm.org or 802-475-2022.
Support Sailing at the Museum
Our sailing programs and boats are made possible with support from registration fees and donations. If you would like to support sailing opportunities for all skill levels, contact Lauren Ross, Director of Development, at LaurenR@lcmm.org.