The Middlebury College Sailing Club is a student-led organization that hosts weekday race team practices, recreational sailing opportunities, and even intercollegiate competition out of the Hopper Family Sailing Pavilion (Panton, VT) on Lake Champlain. The club is open to the entire student body and provides a pathway from beginner sailor to competitive racer for any interested Middlebury College student. Within the inclusive and supportive community of MCSC, Middlebury students have the opportunity to learn to sail, practice and advance their skills, and actively compete in the NEISA conference.

Our fleet of 12 FJ sailboats rest in cradles on a wooden float, which is reached by an extensive fixed metal dock system (designed to withstand the variety of wind directions and wave conditions on the lake). Because the lake freezes over during winter, our heavy, custom-made docks must be installed and removed seasonally by professionals, an annual cost that we unfortunately cannot avoid. It has become a major financial strain on our budget as we balance other essential expenditures (travel to practice and regattas, conference dues, engine winterization, etc). We have also experienced significant membership growth (both on the race team and in the rec sailing program) over the past few seasons, which has increased our expenses.

MCSC would appreciate your support in funding our annual dock installation, especially as we continue to grow as a racing team and expand our recreational sailing program. Donations will also go towards with dock repairs (the FJ float is currently in need of additional floatation) and maintenance of dry suits/other cost-prohibitive safety gear that we are fortunate to be able to offer to our sailors to borrow. Donations will go directly towards ensuring the continuity and growth of the club.

We are so grateful for the generosity and support provided by our friends, family, alumni, and teammates that make running our programs possible. Thank you in advance for any support you are able to give, it really means a lot to our sailors.

For more images, click the gallery button in the top right of the photo by Lucies hand or visit @middsailing on Instagram.