Six sailors have been selected as 2026 inductees to the National Sailing Hall of Fame for their achievements, leadership, and enduring impact on the sport of sailing.
Eleanor Prentiss Creesy, Gino Joseph Morrelli, Herman Frasch Whiton, Judson Andrew Smith, Lorna Whittelsey Hibberd, and Mary Male Savage will join the ranks of nearly 150 other notable names celebrated by the National Sailing Hall of Fame.
“Great sailors leave more than wake behind them, they leave a legacy,” says Gary Jobson, Co-President of The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame. “The Class of 2026 reminds us that sailing is more than a sport. It is a proving ground for courage, innovation and character. These inductees changed the game and expanded what was possible for everyone who followed. Our six new inductees chased horizons others couldn’t yet see; and in doing so, redefined what sailing could be. Their impact reaches far beyond the finish line, inspiring generations to push further and dream big.”
Eleanor Prentiss Creesy (1814-1900) was a navigator who guided the clipper ship Flying Cloud make the journey from New York to San Francisco around Cape Horn in just 89 days and 21 hours. Her oceanographic research and meticulous recordkeeping advanced navigation practices of the time.
Gino Joseph Morrelli (1957-present) is a naval architect specializing in foiling multihulls and known for cutting edge designs from the Nacra 17 to America’s Cup.
Herman Frasch Whiton (1904-1967) was a two-time Olympic medalist in the 6-Meter Class created the Sailing Facility program, bringing sailors together to share knowledge and foster mentorship across the sport.
Judson Andrew Smith (1957-present) is a one-design titan, with several world championship victories to his name, including in the Etchells and J/70 classes. He is a two-time Rolex
Yachtsman of the Year, and continues to be active in the sport as a competitor, coach, and sailmaker.
Lorna Whittelsey Hibberd (1912-2009) is a highly decorated competitor, winning the North American Women’s Championships five times between 1927 and 1934. She remained active in the sport through her 80s, racing Ideal 18s.
Mary Male Savage (1936-2022) was one of sailing’s first female certified judges and later an International Judge and a recipient of US Sailing’s highest honor, the Nathanael Greene Herreshoff Trophy in 2015. Officiating at dozens of regattas each year, her work helped shape the fair application of the Racing Rules of Sailing.
For more on the National Sailing Hall of Fame and its inductees, visit thesailingmuseum.org.
