Sailing's Night of Nights
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 20 Oct 2019 23:16 PDT
Gordon Bray AM, Greg Hyde and Greg Johns, during Greg Hyde's induction into the Hall of Fame © Gregg Porteous
Now in it’s third year, the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and Australian Sailing (AS) Hall of Fame inducted its latest round of sailing greats on Friday night.
Those honoured against a stunning backdrop of some of our nautical treasures were Adrienne Cahalan OAM, pioneering brothers Magnus and Trygve Halvorsen, and Open Boat legend, Mark Foy. Also inducted was, Greg Hyde, who would later receive a standing ovation at the Australian Sailing Awards dinner in testament to his spectacular achievements as both a sailor, and a human being against a test of great personal adversity.
You can see all of the inductees thus far by going here.
Reflecting the increased focus on racing sailing culture at the ANMM, the latest recipients were announced at the excitingly refreshed Wharf 7, sporting new cabinets dedicated to existing recipients that included a replica of the America’s Cup. Thanks to the efforts of Director Kevin Sumption, Senior Curator Daina Fletcher, and curator of historic vessels David Payne, this lesser known adjunct to the main museum, Wharf 7, is now a must-see destination that features a marvellous array of iconic boats, including the original Britannia, and Taipan, which is proof of Ben Lexcen’s initial application of the winged keel.
The AS Awards Dinner at the Sofitel at Darling Harbour was a swept up, sold out affair, jam packed with legends that bubbled along at a nice pace, thanks to the efforts of Australian Sailing’s, Mick Martin. It was a fitting tribute to the immense efforts of outgoing President Matt Allen, and his trusty Vice in Sarah Kenny.