About Us
The Buffalo Community Boathouse is a non-profit organization that collaborates and partners with a multitude of other community organizations. It meets and embraces the basic ideas of the LWRP (Local Waterway Revitalization Plan), the federal law that emphasizes precious waterfront land be reserved for uses that require access to the water. Over 50 other communities in the country have successful community centers in full operation. The Boathouse Community Center is running a cost-free sailing program for underserved youth at South End Marina in Summer 2023.
The Buffalo Community Boathouse is governed by a Board of Directors who have a water sports background and who want to share their love of the water with all Buffalonians.
Tony Anderson
A lifetime boater and sailor is a Trustee of WNY Adaptive Water Sports. Tony Serves on the County Advisory Board for the Office for people with disabilities, and also operates a Scuba Facility that provides training for individuals and veterans of all abilities with his wife. Tony is also an Engineer by profession Skipper of Sea Scout Ship 1, and holder of a Merchant Marine masters license.
Diana Augspurger
Long time member and Program Director of the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club, Diana has run the Discover Buffalo Sailing program since 2013. This successful program has provided an introduction to sailing to nearly 500 adults.
Mark Donnelly
A teacher, writer, publisher, entrepreneur and…avid sailor. Mark is currently the founder and Director of the Arts and Education Institute of WNY.
Tom Nowak
Tom has spent a lifetime on the water. He is a trustee at Adaptive Water Sports here in Buffalo and an avid sailboat racer on Lake Erie. Tom spent his youthful summers at a community boathouse in Chicago. He is anxious to share that wonderful experience with the children of Buffalo.
Gayle Nowak
Gayle currently is the program administrator for Adaptive Water Sports. She shares Tom’s love of the water and passion for sharing knowledge.
Charles Obersheimer
Charlie has sailed the world. He translated that passion into Obersheimer Sailor Supply, a business focused on rigging and equipment for all water sports. Charlie has supported youth sailing for decades.