launch ramps on Lake Champlain

[Helene M]

Hi,

We usually sail out on the St. Lawrence. However, we would like to sail on lake Champlain in June. The chart indicates many boat launch ramps, however the water depth is not always very deep. Since our MacGregor 26 is quite long, we do require a fair amount of water. Can you tell us which are the best ramps on the Northern part of the lake, either on the NY or the Vermont side fit for a MacGregor?

Thanks.

[K9Kampers]

I am most familiar with the free public ramp at Mallets Bay, which is excellent for a Mac and has excellent trailer parking. Another adequate ramp is at Perkins Pier on the Burlington city waterfront. I've only docked here and would consider it for launch if not for the $$ and restrictions. Kill Kare State Park, St. Albans Bay, has accomodated the launching of several Macs, but not mine. You can read more Lake Champlain trailer-sailing specific info at the North East Trailer Sailors website.

Edit: Spelling

[Rick Westlake]

... You can read more Lake Champlain trailer-sailing specific info at the North Esat Trailer Sailors website.

And what's the first photo we see on the opening page? A yellow hulled 26X! What does that do for its speed?

[Chinook]

We launched at a nice county park ramp 6 or 7 miles south of Plattsburg on the New York side. It's very near to Valcour Island, which offers a couple of nice anchorage possibilities at the site of a very significant Revolutionary War naval battle. There are some good hiking trails on the Island, which is a state park.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Also Westport (full marina) and Port Henry (free) further down the lake on the NY side.

Be aware the Crown Point Bridge, which maps will will show as a connection between Ticonderoga and Vermont is permanently closed and wont reopen for 2 years or so.

[Captain Jim]

Try taking a look at the ActiveCaptain web site. It should provide you with information you are looking for on Lake Champlain and much more: http://www.activecaptain.com/index.php

Fair winds,

Jim
BOLD VENTURE

[Kelly Hanson East]

The Crown Point Bridge is now actually gone - the blew it up last week. Replacement slated for compeletion in 2011.