And it’s your lake to love. You have a personal connection with the majestic waterway in your own backyard that’s so strong, you can’t help but want to be near it, protect it, and share it with others.
On the horizon is a new community asset that makes it easier to do all of that.
Welcome to the new Community Waterfront Campus & Sailing Education Center.
A place that gives everyone the opportunity to be closer to something they love.
And there’s a lot to love here. At the heart of this project is preserving public access to the lake and expanding the ability to serve more people in partnership with over 80 community organizations, schools, and businesses.
The 22,180-square-foot lakeside hub includes:
- Classroom space for year-round learning, including hands-on science for every 4th and 5th grader in the Burlington School District.
- New boats and docks to connect over 6,000 residents and visitors with the lake.
- Accessible features to welcome everyone to the waterfront regardless of physical ability.
- Locker rooms for community and team use – this is the headquarters for the UVM Sailing Team and the Northern Vermont High School Sailing Team.
- Staff offices where nationally recognized, award-winning programming will expand to serve even more members of our community.
This facility, designed by renowned architect and Sailing Center Founder Marcel Beaudin, is permitted and shovel ready.
It’s time to come together as a community, pool our resources, and create something that connects us all to our lake.
DONATE NOW
By showing some love for the new heart of the waterfront, you are nurturing your own relationship with Lake Champlain. You’re also helping elementary school kids transform textbook science into tangible evidence at the water’s edge. You’re giving at-risk youth, women and girls, and new Americans the tools to lead and thrive with confidence. And you’re making it possible for thousands of residents and visitors to experience the sheer joy of playing on the water.
This next chapter requires $5.75 million in philanthropic support in addition to the lease and land committed by the City of Burlington. This constitutes the largest fundraising initiative in the Sailing Center’s 22-year history. With incredible investments made by community members, we launch the Love Your Lake campaign to secure the final $1M necessary to complete the project.
All of the funds raised through this campaign will go directly towards bringing the new Community Waterfront Campus & Sailing Education Center to life, together.
We're counting on you, the community, to raise the last $1 million towards your new waterfront center!
GET INVOLVED
We’re gearing up for a busy season full of exciting ways have fun and help out on Lake Champlain. Check back often as we add community events, volunteer opportunities, and more!
Rock the Dock Benefit
July 3, Sailing Center Dock
Enjoy one of Burlington's best parties and celebrate sailors-to-be at this 8th annual event to support the McConnell Scholarship Fund, which helps over 1,800 students learn to sail each summer.
More info
Water Works Fair
July 31, Burlington Waterfront
This annual community event brings together educators, advocates, municipal departments, businesses, and local families for activities and education centered on Lake Champlain.
More info
Stand Up for the Lake
August 6, Oakledge Park
This 8th annual surf-style festival promotes wellness, fitness, and lake stewardship through paddleboarding! Join in the fun with demos, clinics, amateur and WPA sanctioned races, gear vendors, and plenty of good times.