Nominations have opened for inductions to the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame. An ongoing collaboration between Australian Sailing and the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Hall of Fame offers a platform to honour the most significant contributions and performances within the sport of sailing.

This year will see the inductions done in-person at the Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions dinner in November, a welcome return after last year’s event was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the celebrations done through a series of virtual announcements.

Acting as the highest level of recognition, the Hall of Fame credits various facets of the sport; from its conception in the early nineteenth century to modern competitive sailing landscape.

Nominations are welcome across two categories – the sailor or athlete category; and the general category for those who have played a critical supporting or leadership role in sailing.

Past accolades have included contribution for athletes, designers, officials and coaches. Last year’s inductees included dual Olympic gold medallist Malcolm Page OAM who is the only Australian Olympic sailor to have achieved two Olympic medals with different skippers; Beijing 2008 with Nathan Wilmot and London 2012 with Mat Belcher.

Noel Robins OAM, Graeme Martin OAM and Jamies Dunross OAM were recognised for their joint achievement as Paralympic gold medallists at the Sydney 2000 games; as well as their impressive contribution to Paralympic sailing respectively.

Frank Bethwaite DFC OAM was acknowledged for his extensive pioneering within sailing design and meterology; including leading the design of the NS14, meterology contribution at the 1972 and 1976 Olympics, as well as later pioneering of the Tasar and writing three highly-regarded books. More information about past inductees can be found here.

“It is truly important to reflect on the rich history of success of sailing in Australia, and acknowledge the people who have contributed to our sport,” said Australian Sailing CEO Ben Houston.

“The Australian Sailing Hall of Fame plays an important role in recognising those who have built sailing’s legacy, and we look forward to celebrating the latest group of inductees later this year.”

Nominations are open today and will close on June 30^th 2021. Please note that nominations only need to be placed once; past nominees whom have not been inducted will have their nominations roll over to the following year in perpetuity.

Follow this link if you would like to nominate someone who should be recognised for their contribution to sailing.