The Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit educational organization that promotes sailing and racing by recognizing individuals who have contributed to the sport, highlighting sailing's contribution to the American culture; and demonstrating its value as a hands-on tool for teaching math and science. The organization was established in 2005.[1]
The Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame was originally housed in the Captain Burtis House, located on the City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland.[2] Visitors to the site could participate in on-the-water experiences and learn about sailing history, art and lore.[3]
On 1 May 2019, it was announced that the National Sailing Hall of Fame would move from Annapolis to Newport, Rhode Island.[4][5]
In 2019, the National Sailing Hall of Fame purchased the Armory Building in Newport, an historic building with connections to the America's Cup race. The space was restored to a full exhibit, event and meeting space, in collaboration with the Herreshoff Museum and the America's Cup Hall of Fame.[6][7]
The new museum open May 10, 2022, and includes educational programs and special events. www.thesailingmuseum.org
Gary Jobson and Tom Whidden serve as Co-Chairs of the Board. Ashley Householder is the Executive Director of the Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame.
The National Sailing Hall of Fame began inducting honorees in 2011.[8] As of January 2024, 123 inductees over 13 classes have been elected to the Hall of Fame.[9]
Nominations to the National Sailing Hall of Fame are made online. A nominating committee evaluates all the submitted nominations.[10] Inductees are typically announced in the summer, and the induction ceremony is held in the fall at different locations around the United States. Inductions began in 2011.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The 2020 induction ceremony was held virtually in September 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.[9]
Note: Inaugural Year[8][19]
Source:[46]
2019: Arthur Knapp, Jr.[33]
2020: Briggs Cunningham, Jr.[42]