About
The ASHoF acknowledges exceptional performance and contribution at the highest level, by an individual or a team, both past and present, and covers all disciplines of the sport, including those in supporting roles such as coaches and designers.
Australian Sailing has developed this important initiative in partnership with the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Our Mission
Our aim is to acknowledge exceptional performance and contribution by an individual or team to the sport of sailing at an international and/or national level. The Hall of Fame acknowledges those who have made a major impact in the sport, both today and in the past and includes all forms of sailing. We hope that the ASHoF program will promote recognition of the role of the sport in Australia’s history and community life and encourage the development of the sport in Australia.
History
The establishment of sailing as a sport in Australia dates back to the first formal sailing races between ship’s boats and working sailing craft that were held in Sydney Harbour and Hobart Town in the 1820s and 30s.
On 2 September 1837, the first yacht club was established in the then thriving port of Launceston, Tasmania. The Tamar Yacht Club remains the oldest surviving yacht club in Australia.
Over the last two hundred years the sport has evolved and grown on waterways across the country and produced some of Australia’s greatest sporting moments – in the America’s Cup, the Olympic Games and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Today sailing is acknowledged as both a great pastime and a leading sport in the country.
The Australian Sailing Hall of Fame (ASHoF) was established In 2017 to recognise the greats of the sport, those who have achieved at the highest level and contributed to make Australian sailing what it is today, The Hall of Fame showcases the inductees, their achievements and impact. The inaugural year saw seven individuals or teams inducted. The program will grow in strength and diversity every year. The ASHoF program comprises this website and a pop-up banner exhibition and learning programs.
The ASHoF will link to important events and displays about sailing that are managed by Australian Sailing and by the Australian National Maritime Museum.
The museum, in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, has an historic Fleet at its wharves, an exhibition on solo-sailing entitled First Woman inside the museum, and Seachange and Seaworthy displays of historic craft in its Wharf 7 Maritime Heritage Centre. The program will also link to the Australian Register of Historic Vessels, and importantly to exciting events and programs held in Sydney and around Australia, such as the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival and our visiting vessels program.