ABOUT

THE SAILING MUSEUM

THERE IS A MAGIC THAT HAPPENS WHEN WIND AND WATER MEET. A MAGIC SAILORS KNOW AND SHARE WITH OTHERS.

As sailors, we believe that sailing teaches critical life skills like teamwork, leadership, self-reliance and responsibility.

We believe what you see on the water will change the way you see life on land.

We believe everyone should have access to that experience.

The Sailing Museum will bring incredible people and inspiring stories from across sailing into

ONE place that is accessible to all.

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Our Story

In 2004, a group of dedicated sailors founded the National Sailing Hall of Fame in Annapolis, MD with the mission to preserve the heritage of the sport and honor the individuals who shaped sailing as we know it today. Fast forward 15 years to 2019 and the purchase of the historic Armory Building in Newport, RI - the site of the Press Headquarters for the America's Cup from 1958 to 1983. And with it the opportunity to fulfill a longstanding vision, to create a museum and place for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to learn about sailing and be inspired to take to the water.

Shortly after the move to Newport, we teamed up with the Herreshoff Marine Museum to bring visitors two iconic Halls of Fame under one roof - the National Sailing Hall of Fame and America's Cup Hall of Fame. And so The Sailing Museum was born!

A collaborative design effort led by award-winning Healy Kohler Design, The Sailing Museum offers sailing enthusiasts the chance to revel in their sport and new sailors to be enticed to take to the water for the first time.

A personalized journey through six thematic areas begins with the selection of a boat. For sailors, they can select from one of seven on the screen; while those experiencing sailing for the first time will be given the option of a short quiz that will help them select a boat. For all, this boat will become their avatar throughout their museum experience, guiding them through the interactive elements, several of which will be specific to their selected boat.

The exhibit hall of the museum is divided into six thematic areas:

Wind & Water
The Making of a Sailor: Mental
The Making of a Sailor: Physical
Teamwork
Competition
Legends of Sailing: National Sailing Hall of Fame & America’s Cup Hall of Fame

Learn More About The Exhibit Areas

What We Do

The Sailing Museum:

Preserves an historic building and site that is steeped in sailing history
Celebrates the heritage of the sport and honor those who have shaped it over time
Supports area educators through hands-on STEAM learning experiences
Builds community through partnerships, work and volunteer opportunities
Supports our peer organizations in our common goal to grow sailing

The Sailing Museum is a non-profit educational organization that features National Sailing Hall of Fame and America's Cup Hall of Fame exhibits. In the space once used as the Press Room for the America's Cup the heritage of sailing is celebrated, the legends of the sport honored and new sailors and innovators inspired. Interactive educational exhibits provide real-world applications of STEAM concepts that come alive through sailing; and visitors of all ages, non-sailors and sailors alike, experience the magic that happens when wind and water meet.

The Sailing Museum is a d/b/a of the National Sailing Hall of Fame & Museum, Inc., an IRS recognized 501c3 organization.

Learn more here:

NATIONAL SAILING HALL OF FAME

"Sailing is an activity without limits. The Sailing Museum stresses the inclusivity of the sport and is a venue that celebrates the passion that drives people to take to the water. I am confident that the exhibits here will educate and entertain visitors of all abilities or interests."

–Betsy Alison, Hall of Famer and United States Paralympic Sailing Team Coach

- Gary Jobson

Hall of Famer & Board Member

We could not do this without support!

Thanks to these amazing Founding Members and Donors.

Donors

Legends Circle

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Benefactor

Guardian

Supporter

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We Can Build Together

Sailing has a long history, and a tradition that prepares and propels us to go forward. Each of us has learned valuable life lessons on the water, made relationships that last a lifetime and experienced the challenges, and joy, that come from sailing. This is a legacy we have the ability, and privilege, to pass on to others. The Sailing Museum will bring incredible people and inspiring stories from across the country into ONE place that is accessible to all.

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