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