At the Chicago Yacht Club last weekend, the National Sailing Hall of Fame celebrated a remarkable class of inductees, including several esteemed members of the Storm Trysail Club:
Gary Jobson, a Hall of Fame inductee himself and Co-Chair of The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame, hosted the event, offering an insightful perspective on the significance of the honorees. “Sailing is a complicated sport, and this year’s class reflects this... What an incredible class of legends whose stories not only demonstrate creativity when overcoming adversity but also prove that sailing is scary, fast, slow; technical and tactical... but most importantly great fun,”
STC members Eric Hall and Commodore Charles “Butch” Ulmer were present to accept their honors, with Ulmer proudly sporting his STC Burgee tie. They reflected on how their sailing experiences shaped their lives, highlighting the sport's lifelong impact.
The ceremony, which included posthumous inductions of STC Members, Olympic medalist Kevin Burnham and trailblazing woman sailor Allegra Knapp Mertz, resonated deeply with attendees, as heartfelt tributes from family members celebrated the legacies of these inspiring individuals.