America’s Cup Hall of Fame to induct four sailing legends in October

The Herreshoff Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame will honor four new inductees on Oct. 16 in New York City. The class includes Glenn Ashby, Peter Isler, Lowell North and the Beken Dynasty, underscoring the Cup’s mix of sailing skill, design innovation and photo history.

Why it matters: - The 2026 class spotlights the people and families who shaped the America’s Cup through performance, design, navigation and documentation. - The induction adds another chapter to a Hall of Fame that has recognized more than 100 individuals since 1992. - The event keeps the America’s Cup’s history visible through a ceremony at the New York Yacht Club, one of the sport’s most symbolic venues.

What happened: - The Herreshoff Museum and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame will induct four honorees this fall: Glenn Ashby, the Beken Dynasty, Peter Isler and Lowell North. - The induction celebration is set for Oct. 16, 2026, in the New York Yacht Club’s Model Room at its New York City clubhouse. - The Model Room is located in the club’s main clubhouse at 37 West 44th Street in Manhattan.

The details: - Glenn Ashby is being recognized for his multihull sailing achievements. - Peter Isler is being honored as an expert navigator and educator. - Lowell North is being honored for sailmaking innovation and mentorship. - The Beken Dynasty is being recognized for photographing the America’s Cup for more than a century. - America’s Cup Hall of Fame President and Executive Director Bill Lynn said the group reflects the combination of technology, skill and beauty that defines the Cup. - Lynn also credited the inductees with teaching multihull sailing, navigation, sailmaking innovation and detailed visual documentation. - New York Yacht Club’s Model Room opened in 1901. - The room features a collection of America’s Cup yacht models, which Lynn called an ideal setting for the ceremony. - Selection Committee Chair Steven Tsuchiya said the class includes a superb skipper, a family of photographers, an expert navigator and a sailmaking genius. - The Hall of Fame has inducted more than 100 individuals since its founding in 1992. - Eligible candidates include sailors, designers, builders, syndicate leaders, supporters and chroniclers. - Nominees are judged on ability, international recognition, character, performance and contributions to the America’s Cup. - Tsuchiya said the 22-member Selection Committee brings varied backgrounds and is committed to preserving the Hall of Fame’s integrity.

Between the lines: - The 2026 class leans heavily into the broader ecosystem around racing, not just the sailors on the water. - The Beken Dynasty’s selection signals that the Hall of Fame treats visual recordkeeping as part of the Cup’s legacy. - Holding the ceremony at the New York Yacht Club reinforces the event’s connection to the sport’s most storied institutions.

What's next: - Tickets and gala details are available at the induction page. - More information about the 2026 class is available at the inductees page. - General information is available at Herreshoff Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame. - The Herreshoff Museum also directs inquiries to Bill Lynn at w.lynn@herreshoff.org.

The bottom line: - The Hall of Fame’s fall ceremony will honor four figures whose influence reaches across sailing, innovation and the visual history of the America’s Cup.