During its 12th ceremony on November 5 in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S. Sailing welcomed thirteen new members into its Hall of Fame. The induction honored a wide range of contributors to the sport—competitive champions, designers and builders, instructors, record-setters and advocates—whose achievements helped shape sailing in the United States.
“Recognizing sailors who history would otherwise forget is notable and laudable and critical to sailing’s strength,” said Richard Jepsen, president of U.S. Sailing, underscoring the organization’s effort to preserve and celebrate the sport’s diverse history and contributors.
Candidates for the Hall of Fame must meet specific eligibility requirements: they must be American citizens, at least 55 years old, and they must have made a demonstrable, lasting impact on sailing or contributed significantly to the growth of the sport in the U.S. This 12th class met those standards and was notable for its greater diversity, reflecting a conscious effort to recognize more women and minorities among sailing’s most influential figures.
The group of inductees includes Olympians, Paralympians, naval architects, boatbuilders, longtime instructors and world cruisers. Their collective accomplishments span competitive success, design innovation, education, outreach and pioneering seafaring achievements. The class also highlights individuals who advanced opportunities for underrepresented groups in sailing and who inspired new generations to take to the water.
Inductees
Ed Adams – A respected coach and competitor, Ed Adams guided sailors to numerous Olympic and World Championship victories. His career spans collegiate racing, world championship fleets and offshore events, and his coaching helped develop multiple generations of top-level American sailors.
Absalom Boston – An entrepreneur, mariner and civic leader, Absalom Boston made history as the first African American to captain an all‑black crew whaleship in 1822. His leadership at sea and in his community marks a notable chapter in American maritime history.
Doris Colgate – A lifelong advocate for women in sailing, Doris Colgate co‑founded the Offshore Sailing School and has devoted decades to teaching, mentoring and writing. Her work with organizations focused on female sailors has opened doors and created more inclusive opportunities in the sport.
Bruce Farr – As a naval architect, Bruce Farr contributed breakthrough designs across seven America’s Cup campaigns and earned distinction as a decorated sailor. His design innovations influenced high-performance yacht design internationally and raised competitive standards.
Gary Hoyt – A three-time Olympic competitor and accomplished one‑design champion, Gary Hoyt founded Freedom Yachts and developed patents and practical innovations that aimed to simplify sailing and make the sport more accessible to a broader audience.
Billy Lee – Founder of the Santa Cruz Boat Company and a champion of user‑friendly performance, Billy Lee championed the idea that “fast is fun.” His designs and production focused on boats that offered speed without sacrificing simplicity, encouraging more people to enjoy competitive and recreational sailing.
Jonathan McKee – A decorated competitor with multiple Olympic medals and world titles, Jonathan McKee also served as coach to the 1992 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team, a campaign that earned medals in nine of ten classes. His dual roles as athlete and mentor have had a lasting impact on American Olympic sailing.
Lin and Larry Pardey – Renowned for their small‑boat, self‑reliant cruising, Lin and Larry Pardey circumnavigated the world in both directions aboard small, self‑built wooden sailboats without engines. Their books, articles and films, along with their motto “Go Small, Go Simple, but Go Now,” inspired generations of cruisers to embrace modest, adventurous passagemaking.
Nick Scandone – A Paralympic champion who faced ALS with determination, Nick Scandone was named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in 2005 and went on to win a gold medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games. His achievements and perseverance raised awareness of adaptive sailing and demonstrated extraordinary competitive spirit.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recipients for 2022
Frances Wakeman – A competitive sailor known for skill and sportsmanship, Frances Wakeman won the Adams Cup and the North American Women’s Sailing Championship four consecutive years. She has long promoted fair play, enjoyment and expanded opportunities for women in the sport.
Roy E. Disney – An avid racer who competed in 16 Transpacific Yacht Races and set a record in 1999, Roy E. Disney also supported youth sailing programs and contributed to the production of the sailing film “Morning Light.” His involvement combined passion for offshore competition with a commitment to developing future sailors.
Terry Kohler – A lifelong competitive sailor and industry leader, Terry Kohler worked to advance sailing at many levels and played a central role in reviving the Women’s International Match Racing Association (WIMRA). In 1983 he purchased North Sails from Lowell North and helped grow it into the world’s largest sailmaking company.
The 12th Hall of Fame class reflects the broad range of ways individuals can influence sailing—through innovation, competition, education, leadership and courage. By recognizing these contributions, U.S. Sailing highlights both the sport’s rich past and the leaders who will continue to inspire sailors of all backgrounds in the years ahead.