Awards Gala

JUNE 10, 2026

SKANEATELES COUNTRY CLUB

PURCHASE TICKETS
PURCHASE TICKETS

Presented at the Skaneateles Country Club

Business Attire
Open to the public – Tickets $150 each

  • Program to include a showcase of each of the five inductees

  • Great opportunity to mingle with the Finger Lakes community

Your support will make a lasting impact by funding restoration projects, educational initiatives, and community programs that keep Skaneateles history alive.

Sponsorship Opportunities coming soon!

Keeping boating alive and well on Skaneateles Lake has been a passion of several boating enthusiasts in and around Central New York.

In addition to leisure boating, rowing, kayaking, and paddle sport, sailing has come to dominate summer activities on the lake.

On Wednesday, June 10th, the Skaneateles Historical Society will be recognizing five area families for their contributions to promoting boating and boat travel on Skaneateles Lake.

The gala event will take place at the Skaneateles Country Club beginning at 5:00 pm and will include a plated meal, music, a guest speaker, and an awards presentation.

This is the inaugural event recognizing of those who have helped support and promote boating and water activities on Skaneateles Lake. 

Thank You to last year’s Sponsors

2025 Award Recipients

  • The Barnes Brothers

    John and George Barnes were avid sailors and are credited with the building and development of the Lightning class sailboat.

  • Dick and Janet Besse

    Providing amajor contribution to sailing on the lake, they established the Sailboat Shop in the mid-1970s, they built and sailed competitive boats, founded and promoted the Skaneateles Sailing Club and endowed that club’s future success.

  • Arnie Rubenstein

    His on-going support of the annual Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show has drawn classic boat enthusiasts regularly from throughout the northeast and has had exhibitors from throughout the country and Canada.

  • HONOREE

    Dick Sherwood

    Also being recognized for his work with Arnie and others in bringing the FLC show to Skaneateles (celebrating 31 years in Clift Park in 2025). Both Arnie and Dick, along with others, also helped bring the parent organization’s (ACBS) annual meeting and International Boat Show to Skaneateles in 2015.

  • The Wiles Family

    In 1968, Peter Wiles (Sr) bought the Pat II from Don Stinson, continuing mail service to lake shore residents from the village of Skaneateles en Haven at the south end of the lake. The company expanded through the years, utilizing the boats Pat II, Miss Clayton, Barbara S. Wiles, and in 1983, building Judge Ben Wiles which continues to operate on the lake.

    At the “Borodino Boat Barn” they also built canal boats of their own design and operated a small-ship cruise on the Emita II along the NYS Canal System.

  • The Stinson Family

    Represented by Bill Stinson III, the family is credited with establishing the Stinson Boat Line which delivered US Mail on the lake and provided rides and tours beginning in 1939.

  • Dick and Janet Besse

    A duel honor, tThe Besses established the Sailboat Shop in the mid-1970’s, they built and sailed competitive boats, founded and promoted the Skaneateles Sailing Club and endowed that club’s future success.