Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame has announced the six individuals who will be inducted into its prestigious National Sailing Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The new inductees represent a compelling cross-section of sailing excellence, spanning record-setting navigation, Olympic triumph, innovative yacht design, competitive mastery and dedicated service to the sport.

The 2026 inductees are: Eleanor Prentiss Creesy, Gino Joseph Morrelli, Herman Frasch Whiton, Judson Andrew Smith, Lorna Whittelsey Hibberd and Mary Male Savage. From the age of clipper ships to modern multihulls, the Class of 2026 spans more than a century of sailing evolution.

“Great sailors leave more than wake behind them, they leave a legacy,” said said Gary Jobson, 2011 inductee and Co-President of The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame. “These inductees changed the game and expanded what was possible for everyone who followed.”

This is the 16th Class since the United States institution was established in 2011, with 153 individuals now recognized for their significant contributions to the sport. Selection is made from nominations made by the general public, with candidates considered in three categories.

Class of 2026:
• Eleanor Prentiss Creesy was a pioneering navigator whose expertise guided the clipper Flying Cloud to record-setting passages around Cape Horn. At a time when few women went to sea, she advanced navigation through oceanographic research and meticulous record keeping, helping achieve one of the most remarkable voyages in maritime history: 89 days and 21 hours from New York to San Francisco. – Details

• A century later, Gino Joseph Morrelli redefined performance through innovative yacht design. A self-taught naval architect, his work spans America’s Cup campaigns and record-breaking offshore multihulls. His designs, including PlayStation, set transatlantic records and helped shape modern multihull racing. – Details

• Herman Frasch Whiton combined elite competition with a commitment to mentorship. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 6 Meter class (1948, 1952), he also created the Sailing Facility program, bringing sailors together to share knowledge and promote understanding. – Details

• Judson Andrew “Jud” Smith is synonymous with elite one-design racing. Known for his relentless pursuit of performance and generous approach to teaching, he has won world championships across multiple classes, including Etchells and J/70. A two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, he continues to influence sailors as a competitor, coach, and sailmaker. – Details

• Lorna Whittelsey Hibberd was a dominant competitor from a young age, winning the Adams Cup five times beginning at just 15. At a time when female skippers were rare, she competed across a wide range of boats while mentoring young sailors and fostering enthusiasm. – Details

• Mary Male Savage transformed early challenges into a distinguished career in officiating. As one of the first female certified judges and later an International Judge, she helped shape the fair application of the Racing Rules of Sailing. Officiating at dozens of regattas each year, she earned recognition for her integrity and was awarded US Sailing’s highest honor, the Nathanael Greene Herreshoff Trophy. – Details

Class of 2026 National Sailing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony festivities will take place October 6-7 in Newport, Rhode Island. Events will be held at The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame and New York Yacht Club Harbour Court. Details to come.