The National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF) announced its 12th class of inductees. Among them are many remarkable people who’ve made contributions to the world of sailing through education, innovation and advocacy. Per NSHOF’s rules, nominees must be American citizens, 55 years of age or older, who have made a “sustained and significant impact on the growth and development of the sport in the United States at a national or international level” as a sailor, technical innovator or cultural contributor
“This year’s inductees exemplify innovation, virtuous competition and are exceptional sources of inspiration for the young and old in the sport of sailing,” said Gus Carlson, president of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. “We are proud to honor their accomplishments and welcome them into the Hall of Fame.”
The 10 inductees are:
Ed Adams—a sail racing legend and coach, Adams excelled in college, World Championship and offshore competitions. As a coach, his teams have won numerous Olympic and World Championship titles.
Absalom Boston— a mariner, entrepreneur and civil leader, Boston was the first African American to captain a whaleship with an all-black crew in 1822.
Doris Colgate—From teaching, to mentoring, to writing, to founding organizations that get more women on the water, Colgate has dedicated her life to advancing opportunities for women in sailing. She and her husband, Steve (Class of 2015) built the Offshore Sailing School into a successful business that helps many sailors safely enjoy their time on the water.
Bruce Farr—An innovative champion sailor, Farr was the naval architect for seven America’s Cup campaigns and his firm was responsible for hundreds of breakthrough designs that influenced the direction of yacht design across the globe.
Garry Hoyt—Hoyt competed in three Olympic Games and multiple one-design championships. Hoyt is the founder of Freedom Yachts and holds ten patents for innovations that make sailing "simpler.”
Bill Lee—The yacht designer known for his motto of “fast is fun,” Lee designed fast, yet easy-to-sail boats that racked up multiple awards. He is the founder of the Santa Cruz Boat Company.
Jonathan McKee—McKee is an accomplished competitor with multiple world championship titles and Olympic Bronze and Gold Medals. and was the head coach for the 1992 United States Olympic Sailing Team, which took home medals in 9 of 10 classes.
Lin and Larry Pardey—Legendary cruisers, the Pardeys circumnavigated the globe twice on two wooden boats under 30-feet with no engines, that they built themselves. They shared their adventures through instructional films, hundreds of lectures and 12 books, inspiring generations of cruisers.
Nick Scandone—Paralympic champion, Scandone defied a diagnosis of ALS to be named the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in 2005 and won a Paralympic Gold Medal in 2008. He proudly carried the American flag at the Opening Ceremony in Beijing on behalf of the entire American team.
NSHOF also awards a Lifetime Achievement award for American citizens, 55 years of age or older, who have achieved success in sailing and outside of sailing and have given back to the sport in some significant manner. The 2022 recipients are:
Roy Disney, a passionate racing sailor who competed in 16 Transpacific Yacht Races, including setting a course record in 1999. In addition to race records and championships, Disney was an avid supporter of youth sailing projects including creating the major motion picture Morning Light.
Terry Kohler, a life-long competitive sailor actively involved in improving the sport. He was instrumental in reactivating the Women’s International Match Racing Association (WIMRA). He acquired North Sails in 1983 from Lowell North (Class of 2011), and under his leadership until 2014 built it into the largest sailmaker in the world.
Frances Wakeman, an extraordinary sailor, winning the Adams Cup, the North American Women’s Sailing Championship, four years in a row between 1935 and 1938. She was a tireless advocate for women in competition and an inspiration for sailors to embody the virtues of sportsmanship, fair play and to understand that competition is a pleasurable endeavor.
For more on the inductees, please visit: nshof.org/hall-of-fame.
July 2022