Two weeks ago, as Burlington Boatyard closed out its weekend at the Vermont Boat & Marine Show, one boat had taken command over all the others. The Windsor Craft 36 HT, a luxury yacht at its finest.

Being offered through ‘BOATS by George’ in Lake George, NY, the boat is crafted in three layers of hand-selected African mahogany, cold molded together by skilled craftsmen using the most advanced West System epoxy.

This ultimate entertainment boat allows you to entertain in style with a grill, icemaker, wine fridge, and enough comfortable seating for all your guests. You can serve appetizers on the mahogany table with a compass rose inlay and watch the sunset on the port-side settee. After you are finished, retire to the air-conditioned cabin to relax in comfort and watch a classic film on your full-sized flat-screen TV.

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It seems someone is interested in telling people that Lake Champlain might not be the best place to visit. According to the Burlington Free Press, popular travel writer Peter Greenberg recently told travelers to “bring a haz-mat suit along” on visits to Lake Champlain. These insults have sparked arguments last Thursday between environmentalists and the Douglas administration.

A few particular environmental groups have accused Gov. Douglas for failing to stem the population that feeds toxic algae blooms in the northern parts of the lake and revisited their call for more action to restore and protect the lake environment and its tourist economy.

Perhaps Mr. Greenberg and his following may wish to invest some time in researching the large amount of progress made in the efforts to revitalize the lake environment, specifically the ongoing control of sea lamprey and their effects on the economy here on Lake Champlain. Various organizations such as Lake Champlain International, Trout Unlimited, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and both Gov. Douglas and Sen. Leahy’s administrations have dedicated thousands of hours to ensure that our fisheries be restored and are well protected against the detrimental effects the lamprey have had on our economy and environment. Over the past few years there have been multiple watersheds treated and the benefits are clearly being seen, as biologists and fishermen alike are noticing the increase in number and size of those fish affected.

In fact, Burlington Boatyard covered the press conference involving the above organizations that took place at this year’s 2009 Yankee Sportman’s Classic, and we invite you to watch these videos to learn more of the successes of these initiatives.

Lake Champlain International Sea Lamprey Press Conference Part 1

Lake Champlain International Sea Lamprey Press Conference Part 2

For more information on the Greenberg’s comments:
Read this article from the Burlington Free Press

During the past few days, the temperature has risen and so has the temptation to get back out on the lake. Unfortunately, the cold weather has returned and reality has settled back in. If you find yourself still yearning in anticipation for the boating season, then the Vermont Boat Show might just be what you need.

This weekend, February 13-15, come to the Robert E. Miller Expo at the Champlain Valley grounds in Essex Junction and see the widest selection of the latest boats and gear for 2009. Being one of the biggest boat shows on the east coast, Burlington Boatyard will be there talking about all the exciting plans for the 2009 boating season and will have information on all of our great online services.

If you can’t make the show, then stay connected through the live BBY Blog, as Guy Mitrano (CEO) brings you all the latest news from the expo. Hope to see you there!

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew