About The Sailing Museum
Where Wind and Water Shape Inspiration … For All Ages
At The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame, we weave together history, inspiration and community to create an extraordinary experience – one that transcends the waves and touches the very essence of human spirit. Whether you’ve felt the salt spray on your face or merely glimpsed at distant sails, we invite you to visit….non-sailors and seasoned mariners alike.
The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame is where incredible individuals and inspiring stories from the world of sailing converge. Among our exhibits, the heritage of sailing unfurls like a spinnaker catching the breeze. Legends emerge from sepia-toned photographs, and the promise of new adventures beckons. Interactive exhibits bridge theory and practice, where STEAM concepts come alive through the canvas of wind and water.
Our Goals
Preserving Heritage
Nestled within the walls of an historic building, our museum safeguards the legacy of sailing. Here, timeworn planks echo with tales of daring voyages, fierce competitions and the indomitable spirit of sailors who shaped our maritime past.
Honoring Legends
We stand on the shoulders of giants—the pioneers, the visionaries and the trailblazers. Their names etched in salt and spray, their stories whispered by the wind. At The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame, we celebrate these legends, ensuring their legacy sails on.
Empowering Educators
Our commitment extends beyond the waterline. Through hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) experiences, we empower educators to ignite curiosity, creativity and wonder in young minds. Sailing becomes a canvas for learning, where physics dances with the tides, and innovation unfurls its sails.
Building Community
The sea knows no boundaries, and neither do we. Partnerships, special projects and volunteer opportunities converge here, creating a harbor of shared purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a land-bound dreamer, you belong. Together, we chart a course toward a stronger, more connected community.
Growing the Sport of Sailing
Our wake ripples far beyond our shores. Collaborating with peer organizations, we nurture a common goal: to expand the horizons of sailing. From dockside conversations to educational initiatives, we harness the wind’s whispers to propel our passion forward.
Brief History
Established in 2004, the National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF) – originally launched in Annapolis, MD – was born from a desire to preserve the sport’s heritage and honor those who have shaped sailing as we know it today. In 2011, NSHOF inducted the first annual Hall of Fame class, 15 sailing legends etched as the inaugural induction class. In 2019, the historic Armory Building in Newport, RI – once the Press Headquarters for the America’s Cup from 1958 to 1983 – was acquired. This acquisition presented a golden opportunity to fulfill a long-standing vision: creating a sailing museum and hall of fame accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, where they could learn about sailing and be inspired to embrace the water. The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame opened to the public in May 2022 and continues the annual induction of a new Hall of Fame class each year.
The National Sailing Hall of Fame, a 501©(3) non-profit educational organization, champions sailing by preserving America’s rich sailing legacy, celebrating its heroes, and inspiring the next generation.