Through annual Induction, the National Sailing Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of outstanding individuals who have shaped the sport of sailing in the United States of America.
The role of the sailing community in the process is vital to ensuring that the people who have made an impact on sailing are properly acknowledged for their contributions, and America’s sailing legacy is preserved. Every spring the Selection Committee, comprised of individuals from across sailing, convenes to determine who will be the next Inductees to the National Sailing Hall of Fame. While they select the inductees, the actual nominations are made by YOU!
Online nominations are accepted throughout the year. Only nominations received by Midnight (Pacific Time) on February 28, 2021 will be considered for the Induction Class of 2021. Any nominations received after that will automatically be considered for the Class of 2022.
WHO CAN YOU NOMINATE?
Short answer: Someone who has made a significant impact on American sailing at a national level!
It can be someone from American sailing history past or present. You can nominate a racer, a cruiser, a pioneer, an inventor, a naval architect, or an author, instructor, or musician.
- Candidates must be at least 55 years old (or in the case of passing before 55, 5 years posthumously).
- Modern (living or deceased) and Historic (deceased for 60 years or more at time of selection) will be considered.
- The majority of nominees are US Citizens; though foreign nationals may be nominated if their work has contributed significantly to the development of the sport in the USA.
You will need to build a concise case for the committee that outlines your nominees' merit for induction to the Hall of Fame:
- List their accomplishments in and contributions to the world of sailing at a national (and/or international) level— races won, inventions, publications, awards, other recognitions, etc. A sailing resume may be helpful here!
- Also list their notable accomplishments and contributions outside of sailing that you feel are important.
- We encourage you to provide links to or copies of any articles, web pages, photos, videos or other publications that will help the committee get to know your candidate.
- Birth date and profile image are required for submission.
All nominations presented to the Selection Committee will be condensed, so, please be detailed, but brief.
NOMINATION CATEGORIES:
SAILING Category recognizes achievements made on the water as a Sailboat Racer, Cruiser or Offshore Sailor.
TECHNICAL Category recognizes those who have significantly contributed to the technical aspects of sailing. Examples include Designers, Boat Builders, Sailmakers, etc.
CONTRIBUTOR Category recognizes those who have made other significant contributions to the American sailing experience. Examples include Teachers, Coaches, Administrators, Media (including authored works, TV, film, etc.), Artists, Musicians, Promoters and Organizers.
HOW TO NOMINATE:
Everything you need to know about the nominating process is available by visiting our online nomination page. Only one nomination is needed to consider a candidate.
HOW NOT TO NOMINATE:
Submitting duplicate nominations or engaging others in a "campaign" for your person only adds to the burden placed on staff and volunteers. Please be considerate of their time.
Please remember, it's a nomination, not a popularity contest. One nomination by any one person through our online form is all it takes for a candidate to be considered by the Selection Committee. We encourage you to review the lists of Inductees and current nominees to see if your sailing hero is listed before submitting a nomination.
