Contributed by: Sandi Mulconry / Group M Communications

Webster, N.Y., resident Dick Sherwood will return to the shores of Skaneateles Lake July 24-26 for the Antique and Classic Boat Show—just as he has done for the last 14 years.

This year, he’ll bring the Elizabeth Ellen, a 26-foot 1910 Fay & Bowen launch named for one of his daughters. The boat is one of four he has exhibited over the years.

As a teenager, Sherwood loved old cars and dreamed of restoring one, but it was not to be. He later became entranced by old boats, completing his first restoration—of a Morehouse outboard purchased for $100—in 1987. “I thoroughly enjoy the inherent beauty of old boats and being able to return them to their former glory,” he says.

Although he has lived on the shores of Lake Ontario for the last 44 years, he remains drawn to the Finger Lakes, which he grew to love during teenage summers spent on Cayuga Lake.

Contributed by Sandi Mulconry / Group M Communications

From antique and classic boats, to polo and opera, to blues and barbecue—Skaneateles has it all during the last weekend of July.

Antique and Classic Boat Show – July 25-27

The Antique and Classic Boat Show, hosted by the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Finger Lakes Chapter (FLC) of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with displays on water and land (in Clift Park), musical entertainment, and activities for the entire family.

Among the land displays will be one depicting a slice-of-life from the early 1940s, when the boats were popular.

The backdrop of the display—created by FLC member Arnie Rubenstein—is an 8-foot-square photo of the Skaneateles Boat Co. and its staff members, marking production of the 1,000th Comet sailboat. A workbench in front of the photo contains a 1941 telephone, a 1941 radio and a mannequin dressed as one of the boat company’s craftsmen. Visitors who pick up the phone will hear gossip about costs of the day. The radio station will be “tuned” to five channels—one with a recording of the news bulletin announcing the attack on Pearl Harbor, two with period music, and two with old radio shows. The display will be on view in the lobby of M&T Bank, 33 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, for a few weeks prior to the show. Following the show, it will be donated to the Skaneateles Historical Society.

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.