Australian Sailing in collaboration with Australian National Maritime Museum are excited to announce that nominations have opened today for the prestigious Australian Sailing Hall of Fame.

The Australian Sailing Hall of Fame, now entering its fourth year, is the only elite sailing institution of its kind in the country. It was established to acknowledge and honour exceptional performance and contribution at the highest level by an individual or a team.

The Hall of Fame covers all disciplines of the sport, from athletes to coaches, designers or club officials. The intention is to recognise and celebrate those who have made the most significant contributions to sailing in Australia.

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

President of Australian Sailing, Daniel Belcher, said today, “The Hall of Fame is an inspiring initiative designed to recognise and celebrate the greats of our sport.  Sailing is lucky to have a rich and diverse history. In honouring the people who made our sport what it is today we hope to inspire future generations of sailors.”

This year’s inductees will be enshrined in a series of online tributes, with the 2020 Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions Gala Dinner cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With so much cancelled due to COVID-19, finding those opportunities that can continue and bring us together in some way have become even more important. We are excited to announce the commencement of the nomination period for this year’s Sailing Hall of Fame. Let us continue to recognise those who have excelled. If you know someone who should be celebrated for their contribution to the sport in Australia, nominate them now,” said Kevin Sumption, Director and CEO Australian National Maritime Museum.

To nominate someone who has made a vital contribution to sailing in Australia as an Innovator, Olympian, Paralympian, Team Member, Trailblazer, Visionary, or someone who has made a Lifetime Achievement, visit www.sailinghalloffame.org.au/nominate/

Nominations will remain open until 5pm Tuesday 30 June 2020.
With the cancellation of the Australian Sailing National Awards Gala Dinner due to COVID-19, the inductees will be honoured online this year and where eligible in person at an appropriate date in the future.

The virtual Australian Sailing Hall of Fame can be viewed at www.sailinghalloffame.org.au. A travelling exhibition highlighting previous inductees has been visiting events and sailing clubs around the country for the last few years, and has had more than 10,000 visitors since December 2017. To apply for this exhibition to tour your club, venue or event, please visit the website.

Please note that those nominated in previous years who have not been not inducted will have their nominations rolled over into the 2020 nominee pool for consideration by the Selection Panel.