Contributed by Sandi Mulconry / Group M Communications

During July, all things boating will be celebrated throughout Skaneateles, marking 100 years of boating tradition—a tradition that encompasses steamboats, rowboats, yachts and canoes; Lightning boat-building and racing; and the preservation, restoration and display of antique and classic boats.

The month-long commemoration will be anchored on one end by the 70th Anniversary Lightning Regatta, hosted by the Skaneateles Country Club, July 4-6, and on the other end by the 30th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show, hosted by the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, July 25-27.

In between will be educational programs, displays, book-signings and nautical-themed activities, all highlighting Skaneateles’ rich boating heritage.

“In Skaneateles, boating has always been a big part of our enjoyment of summer,” says Sue Dove, executive director of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce. “This summer, with its dual anniversaries, presented a unique opportunity for us to share this legacy with visitors from across the country and around the world.”

Lightning Regatta (July 4-6)

Lightning #1, built by the Skaneateles Boats Company, was launched on Skaneateles Lake in 1938. The Skaneateles Country Club was granted the charter for Lightning Fleet #1, and in 1939 John Barnes of the Skaneateles Boats Company became the first national Lightning champion. Today, the Lightning has evolved into one of the most popular and competitive one-design racing classes in the world, with more than 500 fleets worldwide and some 15,000 boats. Lightning #1 has been retired to the Mystic (Conn.) Seaport Museum.

The Lightning, which sports a “bolt of lightning” insignia toward the top of its mainsail, has been piloted by some of the world’s best sailors, including America’s Cup defenders Ted Turner and Dennis Connor.

The 70th Anniversary program gets under way Friday, with Lightning Labs and a cookout for Regatta participants. Three races are scheduled for Saturday, and two for Sunday, with additional events for participants held throughout the weekend. For more information, go to their website here.

Antique and Classic Boat Show (July 25-27)

The 30th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show will feature the display of 40 preserved or restored boats in the water and another 40 on land (in Clift Park). As in past years, the event is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors.

On Friday afternoon, the local Sea Scouts will announce the arrival of each exhibiting boat with a bosun’s pipe. Additional highlights of the show include the parade of boats (Saturday at 3 p.m.), historical village tours, children’s activities, and displays by the Syracuse Model Boat Club.

Live music will be provided by the Skaneateles Community Band (Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.), Bone and Doolittle (Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.) and the Soda Ash Six (Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.). From 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, the Sherwood Inn will host its annual Rhythm, Blues and Barbecue fest, featuring the Joe Whiting Band.

The Antique and Classic Boat Show is sponsored by M&T Bank, and is organized by the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society in partnership with the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce and Merchants’ Association. This year’s contributing sponsors are the Sherwood Inn, Time Warner Cable, CherryPharm and the Syracuse Sports Corp. For more information, go to their website here.

Looking Ahead

Plans are also under way to further preserve and build upon the area’s boating heritage. The former boiler plant adjacent to the Creamery, on Hannum Street, will be renovated this summer. When completed, the facility will house a Boat/Transportation Museum that will be connected to the Creamery, home to the Skaneateles Historical Society and its local history museum. For more on the museum expansion, go to their website here.

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