ISAF's New Hall of Fame - First Awards

by Sail-World Cruising on 7 Nov 2007 What do Paul Elvstrom, Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, Ellen MacArthur, Olin Stephens, Barbara Kendall and Eric Tabarly have in common – apart from the fact that they are all allied in sailing?

To mark its centenary, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) is launching the ISAF Sailing Hall of Fame this year, to honour the sport's most prominent stars, and these six are the first recipients..

Fifteen-times world championship winner Paul Elvstrom; president of the Sail Training Association Sir Robin Knox-Johnson; record breaker Dame Ellen MacArthur; yacht designer Olin Stephens; boardsailing champion Barbara Kendall and the late Eric Tabarly, were named as the first six sailors to be honoured for their contribution to the sport, and they were presented with a trophy at a gala dinner at Estoril in Portugal..

His Majesty King Constantine of Greece, ISAF president of honour and honorary chairman of the ISAF sailing hall of fame, said: 'One hundred years of sailing has created many worthy sailors, but tonight we are here to recognise a few that have made sailing their life.

'Their achievement has contributed to enhancing, promoting and evolving the sport of sailing, but overall they have amazed, influenced and inspired both on and off the water.'

Goran Petersson, the president of the ISAF said of the new Hall of Fame: 'We're celebrating 100 years of the International Sailing Federation. What better way is there than to honour those who have who have dedicated their lives to the sport of sailing throughout our history.

'The ISAF Sailing Hall of Fame is a legacy from our Centenary year and will be a record of achievement for generations to come.'

After this first event, the ISAF Sailing Hall of Fame will welcome new inductees every four years.