
International
Sailing
School
&
Club
Press Releases
IThe International Sailing School & Club of
Malletts Bay, Vermont
The International Sailing School is pleased to
celebrate it's 25th season of excellence in sail education. ISS has the
distinction of being one of the first sailing centers to come aboard with
the American Sailing Association in 1984. Thousands have discovered the
sport of sailing with our two and five day instructional programs. The
Vermont season runs from early May thru the end of September. Located at
511 West Lakeshore Drive in Colchester, Vermont the facility is nestled
between the majestic Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks of upper
New York State on Lake Champlain. Crystal clear, fresh water and panoramic
vistas sweep the Lake Champlain valley region creating a sailors paradise.
Lake Champlain was discovered in 1609 by Samuel
De Champlain, who also founded Quebec and Montreal. The lake offers more
than fifty islands with secluded coves for safe harbor and 120 miles of
pristine sailing grounds. It's widest point in Burlington is ten miles
across and is 392 feet at it's deepest off Thompson's Point in Charlotte.
The lake was an integral invasion route from the north for the British
during the Revolutionary War and many battles were fought along it's
waterways. The St. Lawrence Seaway & Richelieu River connect the lake to
the North Atlantic and the New York Barge Canal System to the south connects
us to the Hudson River and New York City.
The cold, fresh water of Lake Champlain has
proved to be a perfect preservation environment for revolutionary era
gunboats, horse propelled ferries, canal barges, schooners and steamboats.
Art Cohn, founder of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, has discovered a
huge number of wrecks beneath it's surface. Several sites are available to
the public to dive on and explore these amazing historical artifacts. A
visit to the Maritime Museum and the Shelburne Museum should be on
everyone's must see list. A variety of other historical sites and cultural
activities and regional festivities take place during the summer months.
These include the Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Jazz Festival, Bass Fishing
Tournaments and the Champlain Valley Fair & Exposition to name just a few.
Appreciation for aesthetic value abounds in the Green Mountain State.
Quaint country villages and rambling farm scenery symbolize New England at
it's best. Vermont's largest city, Burlington, is just minutes away offering
a microcosm of cultural diversity. Fine shops and dining opportunities
abound and the Burlington Bike Path along the waterfront offers spectacular
views and more than ten miles of biking heaven. Other diversions for the
outdoor enthusiast include kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and a fishery
that's been named the best in North America by the top bass anglers in the
country!! Since all ISS programs include a free week of sailing privileges
following your course; clients typically take advantage of an organized
vacation experience. An assortment of accommodations to please any traveler
include: campgrounds, waterfront cottages, moderately priced motels and
deluxe resorts.
ISS Vermont programs are managed by
owner/director Robin Doyle. She grew up on the water in Essex, Connecticut
and was taught to sail by her father, Don Doyle, at the age of six. He was
an International 14 dinghy racer who sailed against the likes of George
O'Day, Bruce Kirby and Stuart Walker. Robin was incredibly fortunate to have
such a mentor and grew up in the Long Island Sound racing environment. She
headed north to attend the University of
Vermont in the late seventies and fell in love
with the state and Lake Champlain. After graduation in 1981; she started
out as an instructor; then director; and eventually purchased the Vermont
operation from founders, Paul Ravenna and John Landry in 1987.
Curriculum has grown to over twenty different
courses for the beginning to advanced sailor. Two and five day programs are
the norm at ISS and kids courses, liveaboard cruising courses, spinnaker and
catamaran workshops are just a sampling. Keelboat rentals, sunset cruises
and sailing day trips are available for the short term visitor as are
customized private lessons. The ISS prides itself on many unique
distinctions. The 3:1 student/instructor ratio provides for plenty of one to
one interaction and ISS customizes and tailors it's curriculum to meet each
sailor's needs. A very high percentage of on board repetitious drilling
allows students to learn by doing. There is no wasted access time and ISS
has the advantage of sailing grounds that are protected as well as open.
Many graduates choose to join our International
Sailing Club after course completion. Our fleet has grown substantially
over the years. Members can sail everyday without owning a boat aboard a
fleet of thirty sailing craft ranging in size from 13 to 32 feet. From
dinghies to cruisers; we have an assortment of new membership options
---- racing only, beach boat only as well as weekly and monthly
memberships. Rates vary as per membership, but are
extremely attractive when compared to boat
ownership expense. The inclusive activities in conjunction with the club
are endless.....such as our Wednesday nite racing series, fall series,
sunset cruises, instructional workshops and monthly barbeques. We also seem
to specialize in match-making; as five couples have met and "tide the knot"
as a result of our club social atmosphere.
As we celebrate our 25th season on Malletts Bay,
Vermont owner, Robin Doyle "sends many thanks to the huge crew of sailors
who have graced our decks and supported us the last 25 years. It's been a
pleasure to serve you, the sailors, who have made this milestone possible.
We take great pride in sharing our passion for the sport of sailing.
Thousands have been bitten by the sailing bug due to their ISS experience.
We hope we have helped to chart a course for many new life long sailors.
Much appreciation to all our sailing comrades---old and new. And
remember...sailors have more fun!!"
The International Sailing School and Club
invites all adventurers to check out our website at vermontsailingschool.com
and to seize the opportunity to explore the region this summer. Whether
your interest lies in searching for "Champ", the Lake Champlain monster,
learning to sail, refreshing your sailing talents, or communing with
nature's splendor; New England welcomes your visit this summer.
For further information and a complete packet of
literature contact Robin at (802) 864-9065 or e-mail her at:
sailfast@together.net. Press
pass privileges are
available for writers and photographers.