The Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame have announced 12 inductees for 2024. The winners are well-decorated sailors with 10 falling into the “modern category,” and two representing the “historic classification.” Among the inductees are Jan C. O’Malley, three-time US Sailing Yachtswoman of the Year; Peter Melvin, multi-class world and national champion and innovative yacht designer; and Charles Ulmer, national champion and race winner during the 1970s and 80s.
Along with these sailors are brothers Eric Hall and Ben Hall (honored for technical accomplishments); the late Gary Mull, a prolific U.S. sailboat designer; and the late Carl Alberg, whose designs resulted in more than 10,000 boats.
The inductees of the modern classification are headed by Kevin Burnham, Olympic and Goodwill Games medalist; Conn Findlay, a crew member for America’s Cup competitor Courageous and Maxi Ocean Racer Windward Passage; and Richard Tillman, the 1965 Sailor of the Year who was a North American and World title holder in the Snipe, Finn, Laser, Sunfish and Windsurfing classes. Franklin Wood, founder of the Annapolis Sailing School and Annapolis Sailboat show, rounds out the modern classification category.
Allegra Mertz, one of the two women inducted in this year’s class with O’Malley, represents one of the inductees in the historic classification, along with Alberg.
“The Class of 2024 has left an indelible mark on sailing. Their achievements inspire us to explore, innovate and honor the sport. From Olympic champions to boat designers, they remind us that sailing is more than a pastime; it’s a legacy of courage and possibility,” said Gary Jobson, National Sailing Hall of Fame co-chair.
The National Sailing Hall of Fame has been taking inductions since 2011, and will not boast more than 135 legends in the Hall. This year’s induction will take place at the Chicago Yacht Club in October. Tickets will be available here.
