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.