(Burlington, VT)- Lake Champlain in northern Vermont is a spectacular
body of water that goes for a million miles north and south and forms
the border between upper New York state and the long, tall skinny state
of Vermont. The sailing is awesome and the vistas of lush New England
foliage and the mountainous valleys on either side can be breathtaking.
It's truly one of those gems hidden in the American northeast that few
in the sailing world ever enjoy to its fullest.One of the bigger races on the Lake is the annual Lake Champlain Race - an overnight PHRF race that allows crew to race through the night usually finishing the next morning. Held annually since 1956, the 60-mile race challenges crews in unique ways. The light winds of midsummer require constant attention in order to keep pace with the fleet. Starting at sunset, the wind slows down and brings along the need for good night vision and the hope for a full moon or many stars. Sunrise is welcome and offers the first glimpse of where the rest of the fleet has settled. The race counts towards the Lake Champlain Championship Series, and all the series contenders turnout.
The 2017 race was blessed with fair winds and clear skies. The wind angles favored the asymmetrical boats and a variety of J/Boats came out on top, led by Dana Bolton and Mark Damico and crew on their J/88 ALCHEMY in 1st place, Kjell Dhalen and crew on his J/111 ODIN in 2nd place, Rupert Thouron and crew on his J/122 DUNDER in 3rd place, and Doug Merrill and crew on his J/110 MOOVIN’ in 4th place.
For more Lake Champlain Overnight Race sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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