The America’s Cup Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, celebrating some of the most influential figures in the history of the America’s Cup.
The honorees—Glenn Ashby, Peter Isler, Lowell North, and the Beken family—will be officially inducted on October 16, 2026, during a gala at the New York Yacht Club.
A Diverse and Influential Class
This year’s selection highlights the unique combination of technology, performance, storytelling and innovation that defines the America’s Cup.
- Glenn Ashby is recognised for his pivotal role across multiple campaigns, contributing to three victories and helping bridge the gap between sailing performance and cutting-edge design.
- Peter Isler, a two-time winning navigator, is celebrated not only for his race success but also for his ability to communicate complex sailing knowledge to wider audiences.
- Lowell North, founder of North Sails, revolutionised sailmaking through engineering and innovation, shaping decades of America’s Cup performance.
- The Beken family—Frank, Keith and Kenneth—are honoured for documenting nearly 150 years of America’s Cup history, creating one of the most important visual archives in sailing.
Preserving Excellence and Heritage
Since its founding in 1992, the Hall of Fame has inducted over 100 individuals who have shaped the competition—from sailors and designers to innovators and chroniclers.
The Class of 2026 reflects the full spectrum of the sport: elite performance, technical mastery and the preservation of its legacy.
Together, these inductees embody what continues to make the America’s Cup one of the most fascinating and technologically advanced competitions in the world.
America’s Cup Hall of Fame Selection Committee
- R. Steven Tsuchiya, Chairman
- Margherita Bottini
- John S. Burnham
- Brad Butterworth
- William Collier
- Richard Gladwell
- Jack Griffin
- Halsey C. Herreshoff
- Tim Jeffery
- Gary Jobson
- Andrew Johns
- Murray Jones
- William H. Dyer Jones
- John Lammerts van Bueren
- Ken McAlpine
- Elizabeth E. Meyer
- Shirley Robertson
- Blue Robinson
- Hamish Ross
- Mike Toppa
- Bruno Troublé
- Tom Whidden
