National Sailing Hall of Fame Class of 2016

The Class of 2016 Induction for nine new inductees was held on October 30 during a weekend of ceremonies at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, CA.   The new inductees join 48 fellow inductees as the National Sailing Hall of Fame continues to fulfill its mission by drawing recognition to Americans who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of sailing.

“The achievements of this year’s group of inductees – whether on-the-water, at a drafting table, or in teaching and coaching others to succeed in the sport – have at their root a joy of sailing that has inspired and affected countless competitive sailors and recreational boaters,” said Gary Jobson, President of the NSHOF. “The NSHOF is proudly preserving the history of the sport and its impact on American culture while inspiring the next generation of sailors by recognizing these contributors and sharing their stories.”

The Class of 2016 inductees are America’s Cup winning helmsman Ed Baird; legendary sailing champion (Star Worlds, Congressional Cup and America’s Cup) Bill Ficker; husband and wife sail training pioneers, adventurers and authors Irving and Electa “Exy” Johnson; brothers and J/Boats founders, Robert Johnstone and Rodney Johnstone, respectively marketing guru and boat designer; yachtsman and sailmaker Dave Ullman. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to two legends of the sport: America’s Cup sailor and Star World Champion Malin Burnham; and the innovator behind the modern square-rigged superyacht The Maltese Falcon, Tom Perkins.