International Sailing Center of Malletts Bay, VT

The ISS needs your help! For 42 years the International Sailing Center located on Malletts Bay of Lake Champlain Vermont has nurtured a multi-generational community uniting people through the love of sailing. ISS faces the unfortunate reality that it is at risk of being forced to close. After 4 decades, without advance notice or discussion, the landlord has elected not to renew the lease, which expires at the end of May 2023, in favor of a more lucrative arrangement with a local predominately power boat marina. The community of sailors; cruisers & racers, club members, students, boat rentals, boat access, mooring customers, events with affiliate organizations like the Live Like Benjo Foundation, Boys & Girls Club & Colchester Parks and Recreation as well as sunset cruises, Wednesday night racing, and monthly barbeques, and much more sadly may have to all come to an end.

When you hear people speak of these being uncertain times – This incredible community icon and refuge from the daily grind has fallen prey to the rapidly expanding, commercial development of this pristine and unique area and is closing its doors at 511 Lakeshore Drive in Colchester, VT. Faced with the inability to renew the land lease and forced to dissolve 40+ years of operations at its home on Malletts Bay, International Sailing School and its female owner and operator Robin Doyle, is required to use this short winter season to try and relocate or in the alternative prepare for the inability to continue operations come spring. Due to the uncertain future, she is faced with doing this without income as she is unable to utilize 2023 mooring or instruction deposits for the upcoming season.

ISS needs financial support for removal and clean-up of the property, pay rent until the end of May 2023 without an income stream, establish relocation, as well as legal expenses associated with the closing and relocation of the Sailing School.

The International Sailing Center has always been solely centered around the love of the sport of sailing and the wide range of people that take interest in the sport. It has made the introduction to the sport of sailing for thousands of people possible. It is a happy place that welcomes all. With the sudden and untimely news, ISS needs to be supported with urgency. If you are willing or able to support this cause it would be greatly impactful and hopefully accomplish the goal of ultimately moving the school to an alternative location where it can continue to do what it does best; Sail!

Thank You!