Olympians and World Champions awarded top honour at Australian Sailing Hall of Fame Gala
Four new inductees to the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame (ASHoF) were announced at the Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Gala on Friday evening, with those announced officially named as part of the top echelon of sailors in our nation’s history.
The top honour a sailor can receive in Australia, the ASHoF was established in 2017 to recognise the greats of the sport, those who have achieved at the highest level and contributed to make sailing what it is today, including those in supporting roles such as coaches and designers.
The only sailor in history to defend an ILCA 7 gold medal at the Olympics, Matt Wearn OAM was amongst those inducted, and stated it was an incredible honour to be recognised amongst so many talented names in Australia’s sailing history.
“It is such an honour to be recognised by the community, I can’t really believe it if I’m honest,” said Wearn.
“It has been an incredible journey and it’s been great to have the Australian Sailing Team behind me - I'd really like to thank them and the Australian Institute of Sport for all their support,” he said.
The first to be announced on the night, James (Jimmy) Spithill was also inducted into the ASHoF. A two-time America’s Cup winning skipper, world match-racing champion and multiple Sydney to Hobart Champion, Spithill raced in his eighth consecutive America’s Cup last month.
“It is an absolute shock and honour to be recognised in this way,” said Spithill.
“If you told me I'll be fortunate enough to skipper eight teams in eight America's Cup campaigns in a row and win a couple along the way, mate, I would have thought you were just downright crazy.
“I’d really like to thank Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club who have really supported me every step of the way, and also my family, my friends and my incredible team mates who I would not be here without.”
An Australian great in Sailboarding with four Olympic appearances and multiple world titles to her name, Jessica Crisp was also inducted into the ASHoF and was there to celebrate on the night with her family and friends.
“I fell in love with sailing as a kid and haven’t looked back since, so I’m incredibly honoured to be inducted,” said Crisp.
“I was 14 at my first Olympics and it was an amazing experience. I remember queuing up to enter the venue and being asked if my mum was there with me, I had to convince them I was a competitor as they thought I was there to watch.”
Last but not least, Lindsay Cunningham AM was recognised with his induction as one of the greatest and most innovative multihull designers of all time. In addition to being an accomplished sailor, Cunningham’s contributions include the design of many of Australia’s best catamarans.
“I'm deeply honoured to be inducted into the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame,” he said.
“I've enjoyed applying advances in sailing to innovations over the years, and have been proud to achieve things like winning the Little America's Cup, breaking the World Sailing speed record, and then being the first to break the 50 knot mark.
“I'd like to express my gratitude to all of those who were part of my journey.”
Australian Sailing extends its sincerest congratulations and thanks to those inducted into the ASHoF at this year's Hall of Fame Gala. Your extensive contributions have contributed to making sailing what it is in Australia today.
2024 Australian Sailing Hall of Fame Inductees:
Matt Wearn OAM
James Spithill
Jessica Crisp
Lindsay Cunningham AM
