On June 30, the Herreshoff Marine Museum’s America’s Cup Hall of Fame added three famous names to their list of accomplished individuals during a gala in Newport, Rhode Island. Patrizio Bertelli, Jonathan Wright and Gerard Lambert have all made contributions to the race and sailing in their own ways.
Bertelli, head of Luna Rossa Challenge, is the first Italian ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The 34th America’s Cup in 2013 will be Bertelli’s fourth America’s Cup challenge, and at the event, he spoke about his persistence in pursuing the Cup.
Wright, a member of a famous crew of Americans who defended the Cup in the 1970s and ’80s, is one of very few Hall of Fame members who has been both a defender and a challenger during his career. “It isn’t about me,” said a humble Wright as he accepted his place in the Hall of Fame, “it’s about all the guys I’ve sailed with over the years forward of the traveller; the guys who did all the grunt work for a pat on the back and a T-shirt.”
Carcelle, president and CEO of Louis Vuitton, was recognized for his support of the challenger movement with the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Races. “I feel very proud that two luxury brands, Louis Vuitton and Prada, are in this environment together,” said Carcelle, “We are both fortunate to be able to put back into sailing some of what it gives to us.”
The Herreshoff Marine Museum’s America’s Cup Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding sailors and innovators in the sport. The gala was held at the Marble House in Newport, where in 1983 the America’s Cup was awarded to Australia II, the first challenger ever to win the America’s Cup competition.
Photos courtesy of Luna Rossa
