Some of the most meticulously restored boats in North America will return to the shores of Skaneateles Lake next month as the Antique and Classic Boat Show celebrates its 48th anniversary with dozens of historic vessels, live entertainment, family activities and special exhibits.
The three-day event will take place July 24-26 at Clift Park in Skaneateles, where organizers expect about 10,000 visitors to view nearly 80 antique and classic watercraft from across New York, the East Coast, the Midwest and Canada. Admission is free.
Hosted by the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the show marks its 32nd year in Skaneateles. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet owners and learn the history behind a collection of runabouts, launches, sailboats, canoes, race boats and rowing craft, many restored to their original condition.
Among this year’s featured attractions is Black Witch, a 25-foot 1926 Hacker Craft celebrating its 100th anniversary. The boat, once owned by the late Syd Marsden, has a history that includes documented rum-running operations on eastern Lake Ontario during Prohibition. Organizers plan to display the vessel’s history at its dock, while the Syracuse Model Boat Club will exhibit a detailed scale replica nearby.
Another featured vessel is a rare 1959 Beeline Sapphire owned by Steve Shehadi. The fiberglass runabout was produced during a short manufacturing run from 1957 to 1959. Only six Sapphire models were completed in 1959, making surviving examples especially uncommon.
Organizers say the event offers more than a static boat display. Scheduled activities include a boat parade led by the Skaneateles Fire Department on Saturday afternoon, live music performances throughout the weekend, guided village bus tours, youth judging competitions, model boat displays and children’s activities.
A special spectator cruise aboard the Judge Ben Wiles will depart Sunday morning from the Mid-Lakes Navigation dock in Clift Park. The cruise will provide photographers and spectators with close-up views of the antique boats as they travel along the northern end of Skaneateles Lake.
Boat judging in 35 categories will take place Saturday morning, while visitors can vote throughout the weekend for the People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced Sunday afternoon.
This year’s commemorative poster was inspired by a photograph taken during the 2013 boat show and designed by Michael and Elaine Jakubowski. Posters will be available for purchase during the event and at the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce office.
To help promote the show, a red, white and blue 1963 Marchetti Hydro owned by chapter past president Dave Couch will be displayed at M&T Bank in Skaneateles beginning July 1. Couch painted the boat to commemorate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
Show hours are 3 p.m. to dusk on Friday, 9 a.m. to dusk on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Paid parking will be available in the village municipal lot, while free parking and shuttle service will be offered from designated locations near Skaneateles High School and Austin Park Pavilion.
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