Wisconsin Sailing & Maritime Hall of Fame
Honoring the People Who Shaped Wisconsin’s Sailing and Maritime Legacy
From the earliest commercial shipping routes on the Great Lakes to pioneers in the sport of competitive sailing Wisconsin has been a home to innovative boat builders, nautical architects, and maritime visionaries. Our state has long been a place where life on the water shapes communities, industries, and history.
The Wisconsin Sailing & Maritime Hall of Fame will celebrate the individuals whose leadership, courage, innovation, and passion have made lasting contributions to sailing and maritime life across our state.
Located on the second floor within the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, the Hall of Fame will serve as a permanent tribute to those who helped define Wisconsin’s relationship with its waterways—and inspire future generations to continue that legacy.
Visitors will experience:
● Inspiring inductee exhibits and stories
● Historical artifacts and personal collections
● Interactive displays highlighting Wisconsin’s sailing and maritime achievements
Inaugural Induction Celebration
September 18–19, 2026
Join us for the inaugural Wisconsin Sailing & Maritime Hall of Fame celebration as we honor the first class of inductees and launch a new tradition of recognizing excellence across Wisconsin’s maritime community. This special event will bring together sailors, yacht clubs, maritime professionals, historians, museum supporters, and community leaders from across the state for a weekend of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.
The inaugural induction weekend will include:
● Hall of Fame induction ceremony
● Recognition gala and celebration
● Museum experiences and special exhibits
● Opportunities for sponsorship and legacy support
● Statewide maritime community engagement
This is the beginning of something lasting—a legacy that will grow for generations.
Sign Up Opening Soon!
Support the Hall of Fame
Whether through sponsorship, nominations, partnerships, or charitable giving, your involvement
helps launch and sustain this important initiative.
We invite you to become part of the founding legacy of the Wisconsin Sailing & Maritime Hall of
Fame.
Help us honor the past. Inspire the future. Preserve the legacy.
To learn more, support the Hall of Fame, or become involved, contact our development team today.