National Sailing Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Induction Weekend a success

The Sailing Museum and The National Sailing Hall of Fame celebrate a successful year © Julia Stinneford

The Class of 2024 Induction Weekend commenced at the waterfront clubhouse of Chicago Yacht Club on Friday, October 4. A welcome reception provided the opportunity to gather current and new inductees, friends, family and fans during the cocktail hour hosted by CYC Commodore Charles Anderson.

On Saturday morning, the Induction Ceremony took place with a packed room amidst the backdrop of blustery but crystal-clear sailing conditions as sailors young and young-at-heart headed out of the harbor. Host Gary Jobson - a Hall of Fame inductee and Co-Chair of The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame - shaped the induction perspective brought by this year's class. "Sailing is a complicated sport, and this year's class reflects this. Today's inductees have shown diverse, lifelong commitments that continue to inspire; the true ability to connect generations on and off the water; and a shared vision of excellence in sport and in life. What an incredible class of legends whose stories not only demonstrate creativity when overcoming adversity, but also prove that sailing is scary, fast, slow; technical and tactical...but most importantly great fun."

During their respective acceptance speeches, Benjamin and Eric Hall, James "Pete" Melvin, Jan Chance O'Malley, and Charles "Butch" Ulmer all reflected on how sailing shaped their lives. They spoke of the sailing community as being as much about lifelong friendships as it was about the sport.

Although some of this year's inductees were accepted into the Hall of Fame posthumously, the tributes shared by relatives made the ceremony more inspiring when attendees heard fond memories and family traditions of yacht designer Carl Alberg, Olympic medalists Kevin Burnham and Conn Findlay, inspirational champion Allegra Knapp Mertz, pioneering yachtsmen Gary Mull and Richard Tillman, and problem solver Franklin "Jerry" Wood. An attentive crowd gathered later Saturday afternoon for a discussion with Gary about the 37th America's Cup and sailing's outcomes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On Saturday evening, newly appointed Selection Committee Chair Spike Lobdell sparked enthusiasm from the crowd during his remarks at the dinner celebration. "I am excited by our collective opportunity to continue to honor the legends of the sport through the Sailing Hall of Fame as embodied by the Class of 2024. We all recognize, however that sailing is more than just a sport. The skills acquired on and off the water translate into life lessons that inspire future generations. What a fitting theme tonight as we honor the Class of 2024 and welcome them to the National Sailing Hall of Fame."

Full profiles of the Class of 2024 National Sailing Hall of Fame may be found online at thesailingmuseum.org.