Hawley, Schumacher, and Reichel Inducted Into NSHOF Class of 2025
Eleven individuals will be inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Three California-based sailors, Chuck Hawley, Carl Schumacher (1949-2002) and John Reichel are among the group, which includes a diverse range of influential figures in the sailing world, from Olympians and champions to yacht designers, coaches, educators, and more.
Chuck Hawley, a skilled sailor with over 40,000 sea miles under his keel, is known for his contributions to maritime safety, education, and leadership in Safety at Sea seminars.
Fellow inductee Carl Schumacher was a gifted naval architect who designed 57 sailboats, including the Express and Alerion Express lines.
East Coast-born but San Diego-based naval architect John Reichel, co-founder of Reichel/Pugh, has shaped modern yacht design with groundbreaking creations like the Melges 24.
“The Sailing Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes an inspiring group of sailors and designers who have achieved excellence at the highest levels of the sport,” said fellow Hall of Fame inductee and Co-President Gary Jobson. “Each Inductee has contributed lasting innovations and remarkable achievements. They have all helped educate sailors on how to sail fast, race with integrity, and lift the game of aspiring young sailor athletes.”
Among the 2025 inductees are David Dellenbaugh, a skilled sailor and tactician, renowned for helping defend the 1992 America’s Cup with America3; Hal Haenel, a gold and silver Olympic medalist in the International Star Class who also led the US Sailing Team for the 2000 Olympics; Sally Helme (1953-2024), who became the first female publisher of Cruising World and Sailing World, leaving a powerful legacy through her leadership and advocacy for equality in the sport and industry; Greg Fisher, a 25-time champion across seven sailing classes, recognized for his versatility, dedication, and work as a coach, educator, and advocate for accessible sailing; and Ken Read, a two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year who has won over 50 titles, helmed three America’s Cup campaigns, and now leads at North Sails while racing worldwide.
“If there’s one word that truly captures the essence of all our candidates, it’s passion. A passion for excellence, both on and off the water, and a commitment to enriching our community,” said Spike Lobdell, Selection Committee chair. “These inductees embody the spirit of sailing as more than just a sport. The skills they demonstrate in their pursuit of sailing extend beyond the water, offering life lessons that will inspire and guide future generations.”
This year’s inductees also include prominent boat designers and innovators recognized for their significant contributions to the sport. Alfred “Bill” Luders Jr. (1909-1999), a pioneering yacht designer, revolutionized hull construction with epoxy resin and anti-fouling paints, earning acclaim for boats like Weatherly and American Eagle in the America’s Cup. Bruce King, known for designs like Ericson Yachts and White Hawk, transformed modern yacht design with over 40 creations. Olympic gold medalist and world champion James “Sham” Hunt led O’Day Yachts in producing over 50,000 boats and became part of the second father-son pair inducted, following his father, C. Raymond Hunt.
The 15th Induction Ceremony will take place at the New York Yacht Club in Newport, RI, on September 24–25.
See the complete profiles of the Class of 2025 inductees at thesailingmuseum.org. To purchase Induction Celebration tickets, tables and sponsorships, visit the Induction Ticketing page.