About this tour
When Em from our BugBitten team sailed Lake Champlain aboard the Friend Ship, a classic wooden sloop, it felt like stepping into maritime history without the stuffiness. You're one of ten guests max, which means genuine crew banter and no cattle-pen vibes. The two-hour float takes you past Vermont's mountains whilst the boat's timber creaks and the water laps — proper peaceful. The catch: you're BYOB and BYO-snacks entirely, so a decent picnic basket is essential. If you're after low-key water time with local colour, this delivers.
Highlights
- Historic wooden sloops with hand-crafted details and genuine sailing heritage
- Tiny groups — just ten people means actual conversation with crew
- Mountains frame the whole lake, especially pretty in shoulder seasons
- Crew shares regional folklore and history as you drift
- Bring your own wine and cheese — very civilised picnic setup
- Two-hour duration fits neatly into a day without overcommitting
- Accessible to strollers and service animals, relaxed vibe throughout
What to expect
Em boarded at the dock to find the Friend Ship already prepped, ropes coiled, and a crew member greeting each person by name. The sails went up gradually — no rushed theatre — and the boat settled into a smooth glide within minutes. The two hours unfolded naturally: some stretches of companionable quiet, others punctuated by the crew volunteering stories about shipwrecks, local legends, or how the Champlain trade routes shaped Vermont's early economy. The mountains stayed visible the whole time, and because there were only ten of us, you could move around the boat without tripping over strangers.
The pace is genuinely gentle — this isn't an adrenaline sail. If you're imagining wine-sipping on a moving platform, you'll get that feeling, provided you've packed well. Em noticed the crew kept an eye on comfort and safety without being intrusive. Water and a few basic amenities are on board, but that's it — so the onus is entirely on you to bring anything you'd want to eat or drink.
What travellers say
- Authentic wooden sloops with genuine craftsmanship and working history
- Intimate crew engagement — they remember names and share local lore
- Accessible to all ages and fitness levels without pretence
- Two hours balanced enough for a leisurely half-day outing
- Bring-your-own picnic approach suits wine and cheese enthusiasts
- Mountain scenery frames the entire experience naturally
- You supply all food and drink except water — no exceptions
- Weather-dependent comfort; wind is expected, rain less pleasant
- Sailing pace varies with conditions — not a timetable cruise
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Friendship Sloops are working pieces of maritime heritage, and sailing one is genuinely different from a modern motor-tour boat. The small cap means you'll actually hear the crew and feel like part of a group rather than a crowd. The two-hour window suits a half-day outing. Kids (including infants in prams) and service animals are welcome, and the boat doesn't demand fitness.
You must bring every scrap of food and drink beyond water. That's on you to plan and carry. Weather can affect comfort — wind is fine, but rain or extreme heat could sour the experience. The dock location requires transport (public options exist nearby, but check in advance). Sailing relies on wind and conditions, so pacing isn't guaranteed to be perfectly even.
Pack a proper picnic (local cheese, bread, wine, beer — whatever suits). Bring a light layer even on warm days; water temperature and breeze can catch you. The group size is capped at ten, so book ahead. Summer and early autumn are peak; off-season may have fewer departures.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.