National Sailing Hall of Fame


The 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.
NSHOF was originally housed in the Captain Burtis House, located on the City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland. Visitors to the site could participate in on-the-water experiences and learn about sailing history, art and lore.
On 1 May 2019, it was announced that the NSHOF would move from Annapolis to Newport, Rhode Island. That same year, the NSHOF purchased the Armory Building in Newport, an historic building with connections to the America's Cup race. The space is being developed into exhibit space, in collaboration with the Herreshoff Museum and the America's Cup Hall of Fame. The new museum is scheduled to open in 2022.
Gus Carlson became president of the board of directors in 2019, succeeding Gary Jobson. Effective 15 April 2019, Heather Ruhsam became the organizations executive director.
The National Sailing Hall of Fame began inducting honorees in 2011. As of June 2020, 88 individuals have been elected to the Hall of Fame.

Affiliations

Nominations to NSHOF are made online. A nominating committee evaluates all the submitted nominations. 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. The 2020 induction ceremony will be held virtually in September 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Class of 2011

Note: Inaugural Year
2019: Arthur Knapp, Jr.
2020: Briggs Cunningham, Jr.

Honorary Advisory Board