William Seward often described Skaneateles Lake as “ the most beautiful body of water in the

world.” It certainly has a rich history as being one of the cleanest lakes in the country, a center

for world-class sailing,quality boat building and the center for countless events, from local to

international.

The history of boating on Skaneateles Lake is centuries old. The Haudenosaunee Native

Americans fished from their dugout canoes. As the area was settled, the lake was a major

transportation corridor for people and supplies. Over time leisure boating came to dominate with steamboat excursions, mail delivery and transport to resort hotels. Today Midlakes Navigation continues with excursions and mail delivery. Sailing, kayaking and recreational motor boating are popular summer sports.

Interest in boating was supported by the development of the boating industry from post Civil

War through the 1960’s. Boats built by the Bowdish, Skaneateles Boat and Canoe Company

and Skaneateles Boat Company had a long history with a regional, national and international

reputation. The Lightning sailboat, designed by Olin Stephens and built by the Skaneateles Boat Company was launched in 1938. It became the most successful one-design sailboat under 19 feet in sailing history. As one boat historian said “it revolutionized sailing history around the world.”

By definition the Skaneateles Historical Society is committed to preserving and honoring the

history of the area centered around the seventeen mile long Finger Lake.The history of boating

is housed in the boat wing of the Historical Society museum. Documentation,boat relics and 12

boats are on exhibit. In 2024,a group of boat enthusiasts and members of the Skaneateles

Historical Society met to make plans to honor those individuals and organizations that have

made a significant impact to the boating community. The Boating Hall of Fame was born.

Honorees to be celebrated are from disciplines across the boating spectrum: boat builders and

designers, competitors, the transportation of people and goods and those who have promoted

boating on the lake in general.

Honorees : The Barnes Brothers, Dick and Janet Besse, Dick Sherwood, Arnie Rubinstein, The

Wiles Family,The Stinson Family.

A gala event will be held at the Skaneateles Country Club on Thursday June 11

Tickets : $125 per person. Available online or at the museum. Tables for 8 may be purchased

for $800; tables for 10 $1000. All proceeds will benefit the Skaneateles Historical Society

This will be a fun event in a historic setting. There will be stories shared, music and refreshment.

Because there are so many people worthy of this honor, the Skaneateles Historical Society hopes to make this an annual event.