On November 13, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) inducted Buddy Melges into the World Sailing Hall of Fame, one of seven people so honored this year in recognition of their outstanding achievements and the significant impact they have made on sailing. ISAF President Carlo Croce announced the names of the 2015 inductees at a ceremony at the organization’s Annual Conference, held this year in Sanya, China.
ISAF established the World Sailing Hall of Fame in 2007 in celebration of the organization’s centenary year. The first induction ceremony was in 2007; the third will be in 2019.
“The World Sailing Hall of Fame recognizes excellence both on and off the water,” said President Croce. “Induction honors an individual’s significant and lasting contributions to the growth, reputation, and character of the sport, and it is the ultimate recognition bestowed by World Sailing, the governing body of the sport.”
Candidates are nominated by ISAF members and selected by the Executive Committee.
“I wish to express my appreciation and my gratitude to the International Sailing Federation, to President Croce, and to the Executive Committee for electing me to the World Sailing Hall of Fame,” said Melges on learning of his selection. “I am greatly honored.”
In addition to Buddy Melges, the 2015 inductees are Dennis Connor (US), Alessandra Sensini (Italy), Harold Vanderbilt (1884-1970, US), Torben Grael (Brazil), Sir Peter Blake (1948-2001, New Zealand), and Valentin Mankin (1938-2014, Russia). The 2007 inductees were Paul Elvstrom (Denmark), Barbara Kendall (New Zealand), Sir Robin Knox-Johnson (Great Britain), Dame Ellen MacArthur (Great Britain), Olin Stephens (US), and Eric Tabarly (France).
In 2011, Buddy Melges was inducted into the (US) National Sailing Hall of Fame and has also been named to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, the Inland Lake Yachting Association Hall of Fame, the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, and the Badger High School Wall of Success.