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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.