A heritage of excellence
Founded under the auspices of the Herreshoff Marine Museum by four-time defender Halsey Herreshoff, the America’s Cup Hall of Fame celebrates the pioneers, designers, sailors, and storytellers who have defined the world’s oldest international sporting trophy. More than ninety legends are now enshrined in Bristol’s historic boatyard—once home to eight consecutive Cup-winning yachts.
2025 induction ceremony
This year’s induction was staged in the New York Yacht Club’s ornate Model Room, a venue steeped in Cup tradition. There, Australian helmsman Jimmy Spithill, American skipper Paul Cayard, and 19th-century trailblazer Susan Henn joined the ranks of the sport’s immortals.
Jimmy Spithill, the relentlesss competitor
Spithill first made history in 2000 as the youngest ever America’s Cup helmsman, skippering Young Australia at just 20. A decade later he steered USA 17 to victory in 2010 and masterminded ORACLE Team USA’s astonishing 2013 comeback against Emirates Team New Zealand, overturning an 8–1 deficit to win 9–8. Across 25 years, Spithill adapted from heavy monohulls to high-speed foiling catamarans and AC75s, earning a reputation for fierce determination and tactical brilliance.
Paul Cayard, the consummate professional
Seven America’s Cup campaigns, seven world titles, an Olympic career, and victory in the Whitbread Round the World Race underline Cayard’s versatility. Fluent in three languages and equally adept in boardrooms and cockpits, he became both competitor and communicator—bridging elite sport and public engagement. Even at 65, Cayard remained competitive, finishing fourth in the 2024 Star Worlds off San Diego.
Susan Henn, the pioneering helmswoman
Long before women were welcome in yacht clubs, Scottish sailor Susan Henn commissioned and co-skippered Galatea, the first all-steel Cup challenger, in 1886. When her husband and co-owner fell ill, she took command—making history as the first woman to helm in an America’s Cup match. Her courage and seamanship earned admiration on both sides of the Atlantic.
A living legacy
Through their achievements, Spithill, Cayard, and Henn represent the evolution of sailing itself—from Victorian cutters to foiling monohulls. Their induction ensures that future generations of sailors can trace inspiration through a lineage of determination, innovation, and love for the sea.
