US National Sailing Hall of Fame Receives $250,000

Annapolis, MD (April 13, 2016) – The National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF) has received a donation of $250,000 from the Merrill Family Foundation to match the Maryland State FY 2016 grant for the planning, design, and permitting for a new facility at the site of its current location at Annapolis City dock, adjacent to the United States Naval Academy.

The new facility will enhance the extensive educational and public programing of NSHOF, which includes STEM Sailing educational curricula for middle and high school students, a public Free Sailing program, boat exhibitions, Recovering Warrior Regattas for injured veterans, and public access to Spa Creek. The City of Annapolis views the development of the National Sailing Hall of Fame as an important new asset for anchoring community activities at City Dock and the economic well-being of Annapolis.

“Three generations of Merrill family members have lived and sailed in Annapolis over the past five decades,” remarked Nancy Merrill, Cathy Merrill Williams and Doug Merrill. “We are proud to make this matching gift which will enable the National Sailing Hall of Fame to plan its future on the Annapolis waterfront.”

The new facility’s additional space will enable expanded programming for exhibitions, teaching lessons in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to students using sailing, space for public presentations, plus the Tom Morris Library.

Gary Jobson, National Sailing Hall of Fame president, stated, “We are grateful to the Merrill Family for their vision of helping to move forward the construction of a new facility. It is a reflection on the family’s commitment to Annapolis and sailing.”

About the National Sailing Hall of Fame
The National Sailing Hall of Fame promotes sailing by preserving America’s sailing legacy, and engages sailing’s next generation by sharing the benefits, excitement and beauty of sailing. NSHOF recognizes the sport’s American heroes; highlights sailing’s contribution to the American culture and experience; and demonstrates the value of sailing as a hands-on tool for teaching math and science. NSHOF provides a home for sailing — a place where people can participate in on-the-water experiences and immerse themselves in American sailing’s history, art and lore. For more information, visit online at www.nshof.org.

Source: Lee Tawney, Executive Director, National Sailing Hall of Fame