Every sailor has their own idea of what our sport “should” be: family cruises, international regattas, even lounging on a (dry) deck cushion sipping an umbrella drink. A few weeks ago, the National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF) ceremony to induct their Class of 2025 provided a reminder of just how many pathways can lead to sailing success—as well as how much support it takes to be included on “the wall.”
Paul and I knew several of the 11 inductees, but we really walked into the large tent overlooking Newport Harbor to cheer on Greg Fisher. We’ve both sailed with him—and here I must pause to explain that, for Greg, “sailing” means one-design racing.
Three other 2025 NSHOF inductees also came to prominence through one-design racing, but seven represent less visible aspects of our sport: design, promotion, construction. For the ceremony, all the families were (rightly) placed front and center. We chose seats in the back corner—where we were soon joined by long-time crew members of another one-design champion, Ken Read.
Listening to the speeches, I was first struck by the wide range of both personality and sailing path. By the end, I was even more impressed by two commonalities. Most speakers recognized (and some apologized for) their own single-minded intensity, and all of them thanked the family, friends, and mentors who helped them achieve their lofty goals. Even if they didn’t think of them as their “crew,” they all acknowledged those who showed up every day, long before any trophies or awards were handed out: the mostly unsung teammates who both shared and supported their dreams.
Afterward, even though it was a work day, we lingered; both to catch up with old friends, and to bask in the variety of sailing skills collected under one big tent. Unlike a regatta party, this unique celebration gathered together those who live and breathe our sport, even if their definition is quite different from my own.
Though sipping umbrella drinks on a dry deck cushion probably won’t earn anyone a spot on the wall, there are as many paths to sailing success as there are ideas about what our sport “should” be—a large part of its lifelong appeal. Variety is the spice of sailing, and I’m so glad the NSHOF recognizes that.
PS Though the NSHOF is rightly much bigger than just one person, Gary Jobson is its “voice.” We are so lucky to have him championing and recognizing the heroes of sailing. You can see everyone who’s been included on the wall on the NSHOF website, and nominations just opened for the Class of 2026. If you know someone who deserves this honor, now’s the chance to share their accomplishments.
