Will Sailing Hall of Fame move to Newport?

After a series of talks with the City of Newport, the National Sailing Hall of Fame – according to a report in the Newport Buzz – is poised to move its headquarters from Annapolis, MD to the Armory Building on Lower Thames Street in Newport, RI.

The National Sailing Hall of Fame, a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving America’s sailing legacy, is presenting a business plan to the City of Newport imminently and is expected to move in September 2018.

“Newport is known the world over as the Sailing Capital of the World,” said Mayor Harry Winthrop. “We are known for the America’s Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race and dozens of other of world class yachting events and this just further solidifies our position as the center of the yachting universe. I am looking forward to welcoming the Sailing Hall of Fame to our great city!”

In response to the Newport Buzz story, the National Sailing Hall of Fame has issued the following statement:

“The National Sailing Hall of Fame is located in Annapolis, and we are diligently proceeding through the development process for a new facility. There has been no interruption to our programing. As a Board, we owe a fiduciary duty to entertain ideas and offers from others that may benefit the organization. We have been invited to look at an opportunity in Newport, but no offer has been presented for consideration.”