National Sailing Hall of Fame Announces Nomination Window Opens October 1 for the Class of 2026
September 30, 2025 (Newport, RI) – The National Sailing Hall of Fame is proud to announce the opening of the nomination window for the Class of 2026. From Wednesday, October 1 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025, sailing enthusiasts across the nation are invited to put forward candidates for consideration in the next selection cycle.
This announcement comes on the heels of the Hall of Fame’s 15th Anniversary and Class Induction Ceremony, which welcomed hundreds of attendees and brought the total number of honored sailing legends to 147. The milestone celebration underscored the importance of recognizing individuals who have shaped the sport’s past, present and future.
Spike Lobdell, Selection Committee Chair, emphasized the importance of public participation: “Our process is unique in that it begins with nominations from the broader sailing community. This ensures we consider the wide range of talents and contributions that strengthen sailing at a national level. We’re looking for sailors, designers and contributors whose impact has left a lasting mark, and it is the public who helps us identify these truly deserving legends.”
Nominations must be submitted exclusively via on The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame online at thesailingmuseum.org. All candidates should reflect the criteria established by the Selection Committee – demonstrating extraordinary skill, commitment, and a meaningful positive influence on the sailing community. Eligible nominees may include pioneering sailors, innovative designers and dedicated visionaries who have left an enduring imprint on sailing’s history. Nominations must be complete and include nominator contact details when submitted, as additional materials will not be accepted. Please note that materials sent directly to staff, Board members or Selection Committee members will not be considered.
Gary Jobson, Co-President and Dual AC/NSHOF Hall of Fame inductee, highlighted the vital role of nominations in sustaining sailing’s history and honoring its most impactful figures: “Preserving the legacy of sailing means honoring those whose achievements have defined and elevated our sport. Through nominations and inductions, the National Sailing Hall of Fame makes certain that the trailblazers throughout time will be remembered as the legends who inspire tomorrow.”
Looking ahead, the National Sailing Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony will be hosted in Newport, Rhode Island, on September 16-17, 2026. This annual celebration honors both the sport’s rich heritage and its promising future. We encourage everyone to participate in the nomination process to ensure that the most influential and impactful figures in sailing receive the recognition they have earned.
For more information on the nomination process and to submit a nomination, please visit thesailingmuseum.org.