AC Hall of Fame induction in Germany

The induction ceremony for the America’s Cup Hall of Fame Class of 2019 will see Dyer Jones, Henry Racamier, and Bill Trenkle honored at the Robbe & Berking Yachting Heritage Centre on November 16 in Flensburg, Germany.

The event will be held around the Centre’s new exhibition, “The America’s Cup: the history of the oldest and one of the most fascinating trophies in sports history” with the Herreshoff Marine Museum’s fully-rigged 1/6th-scale model of the Cup Defender RELIANCE as its centerpiece.

“This is shaping up to be an epic event,” said Herreshoff Museum President Bill Lynn. “Our collaboration with Oliver Berking and his team has resulted in an amazing exhibit on the history of the Cup, and this partnership represents a natural extension of the relationship.”

The Hall of Fame Induction will help shine a spotlight on Robbe & Berking’s deep involvement with constructing, restoring and maintaining classic 12 Metres.

“To me, 12 Metre yachts are the epitome of sailing elegance and beauty,” said Oliver Berking. “We had the honor to host the 12 Metre World Championship and the 12 Metre European Championship twice each, and we have eleven of them in our sheds, among them the first two AC challengers from down under – GRETEL from 1962 and KIWI MAGIC from 1987. It’s a deep honor to now host the Induction Ceremony.”

Given that the 2019 inductees all played prominent roles in the America’s Cup’s 12 Metre Era, Flensburg is a particularly appropriate venue for this event. This induction ceremony will deliver an unparalleled experience for attendees in a totally unique venue.

AC Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chair Steve Tsuchiya is looking forward to it. “We’ve held Induction Galas in several different countries, however, this will be our first one in Germany,” said Tsuchiya. “Anyone interested in America’s Cup history, and the 12 Metres in particular, will want to put this event on their bucket list!”