Lake Champlain Longboat Flotilla: The Bougainville Voyage
The Lake Champlain Longboat Flotilla: The Bougainville Voyage will be at Saint Anne’s Shrine in Isle La Motte Friday, July 3, 2015 through Sunday, July 5. This event commemorates the 260th Anniversary of the start of the War for Empire in America, a defining moment in the history of our region.
The Longboat Flotilla
The Flotilla will consist of four longboats resembling the French vessels that would have travelled Lake Champlain in 1755, and will be led by L’Alliance, a former RCN 27 foot whaleboat with historic sailing rig. The voyage starts at Crown Point, New York – site of the 1735 Fort Ste. Frederic (later Fort Crown Point). After stops at several historical locations along the way including Burlington, Valcour Island and Cumberland Bay, the journey ends at historic Saint Anne’s Shrine in Isle La Motte, Vermont.
The Flotilla ends their journey at the Shrine, on Friday, July 3, and will setup a typical colonial French encampment on the Shrine grounds.Participants will be historically costumed in the mid-18th century clothing of the of French soldiers and sailors.
On Saturday afternoon, July 4th, visitors are welcome to view the camp, boats musket demonstrations, and learn about 18th century sea life.
Other Lake Champlain Historic Sites: