CANADIAN SAILING HALL OF FAME

Established by the Board of Directors of Sail Canada, the Canadian Sailing Hall of Fame recognizes illustrious individuals who have made notable contributions to sailing in Canada and worldwide. Currently, the Hall of Fame is a virtual record, but plans are underway to establish a physical presence.

INDUCTED IN 2024

Caroll-Ann Alie Three-time World Champion in windsurfing (1984, 1985 and 1988) – Gracefield, QC	Caroll-Ann won the 1984 Windsurfer Class World Championship and the 1985 Mistral Class World Championship. She won Silver at the 1985 IYRU Women’s Worlds and Gold in 1988. She was the 1995 Pan-Am Gold Medalist and won Silver in 1987 and 1999. She is a three-time Olympian (1992-1996-2000) and was named Female Athlete of the year by CYA in 1988 and1995. She was inducted into the Canadian Olympics Sport Hall of Fame (1993), the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame (2010) and the Quebec Sailing Hall of Fame (2013). (RSLYC)
Rob Ball Long-time C&C Yachts Chief Designer (posthumous) – Oakville, ON	Naval Architect Rob Ball joined C&C Yachts in 1967 and was the Chief Designer from 1973 through 1990, designing every C&C product for those 17 years. C&C production models are some of the most iconic sailboats in history, including the C&C 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46, 51 and 55. His custom designs included the 1975 Canada’s Cup contender Marauder and 1978 winner Evergreen, off-shore racers Amazing Grace, Silver Shadow, Charisma, Magistri, Dynamo, and the world cruiser Archangel. Without question, Rob was responsible for the design of more boats and models than any designer in Canadian history. (RCYC)
David Cook 1996 Paralympic Silver Medalist in Sonar (posthumous) – Victoria, B.C.	David Cook, sailing a Sonar with Ken Kelly and Kirk Westergaard, won a Silver Medal in the 1996 Paralympic Games, becoming one of Sail Canada’s Athletes/Teams of the Year. With Brian McDonald taking Kirk’s place, the team finished 5th at the 1997 World Championships, 1.5 points out of first. Being an avid racer with CFSA then RVicYC he participated in all local regattas spanning many years. David was the founder and manager of the Victoria Sailing Foundation, mentoring sailors with disabilities. In 2008, he took up radio-controlled sailboat racing, becoming a prominent designer and builder. David was a torchbearer for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. (CFSA and RVicYC)
Jackie Gay 2016 Paralympic Silver Medalist in Skud – Victoria, B.C.	Jackie won a Silver Medal in the 2016 Paralympics with John McRoberts in the Skud-18 class. The team was honoured with the 2016 Sail Canada Rolex Sailor of the Year Award. Since then, Jackie has been sailing single handed in the 2.4mR. In 2019, she came 7th in the Para World Championships, the highest finish for any Canadian and top female sailor. She finished 2nd (para) in the 2021 Canadian 2.4mR Championships, and continues to compete internationally, including the 2022 and 2023 Worlds. She was accepted as the first woman with a disability to sail as a mile-builder on Maiden. (RVicYC)
Pat Healy National Team Head Coach through three Olympics Games, three Pan American Games and two Goodwill Games – Toronto, ON	Pat succeeded Steve Tupper as the head coach of the Canadian Sailing Team in 1981. He guided the Team over three Olympics, three Pan American Games, two Goodwill Games and numerous World Championships. With Pat as head coach, Canada’s results were exceptional with three medals in 1984 followed by medals in both 1988 and 1992. Working with Hugh Drake, he established the Olympic Trust Fund. Pat later became an International Judge and Race Officer at many International events including the America’s Cup. Pat was Chief Judge at CORK for seven years, and has been inducted into the Intercollegiate Sailing Association Hall of Fame. (RCYC)
Eric Jespersen 1992 Olympic Bronze Medalist in Star – Port Alberni, B.C.	Eric Jespersen, crewing for Ross Macdonald in the Star Class, won the Bronze Medal in the 1992 Olympics, Gold in the 1994 Star World Championships, Gold in the 1995 European Championships, and Silver in both the 1997 and the 1998 Star World Championships. Eric was also part of the 1983 and 1987 Canada I and II America’s Cup crew. He was Sail Canada’s 1992 Sailor of the Year, and, again crewing for Ross Macdonald, represented Canada in the 1996 Olympics. Eric was part of the crew that won the World Classic 6 Metre Championships in both 2009 and 20015. (RVanYC)
Ken Kelly 1996 Paralympic Silver Medalist in Sonar – Moose Jaw, SK	Ken Kelly, with teammates David Cook and Kirk Westergaard, won the Silver Medal at the 1996 Paralympic Games, sailing’s initial inclusion into the Paralympics. The team was awarded Sail Canada’s Athletes/Teams of the year. From 1998 to 2012, as a member of the Canadian Sailing team in the Sonar class, Ken went on to helm teams competing in 14 World Championships and numerous international Paralympic events spanning four continents. He also competed in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. China. During his Canadian Sailing team tenure, Ken competed at world championships in all three Paralympic classes (Sonar, 2.4meter and Skud18). (RVicYC)
Stacie Louttit 2008 Paralympic Bronze Medalist in Skud 18 – Victoria, B.C. Stacie finished 3rd at the 2008 Miami Olympic Classes	Stacie finished 3rd at the 2008 Miami Olympic Classes Regatta and won a Bronze medal at the 2008 Paralympics while crewing for John McRoberts in the Skud-18 class. They went on to qualify for London 2012, where they won Silver in the Skud 18 test event and placed 4th at the Paralympics. The pair were named BC Sailing 2008 Sailors of the Year and were inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Standing on the podium at Beijing 2008, Stacie made history as the first Canadian female sailor to medal at a Paralympic Games. (RVicYC)
Brian MacDonald 2000 Paralympic Bronze Medalist in Sonar – Vancouver, B.C.	A Sydney 2000 Paralympic campaign was Brian’s idea. He was optimistic that with David William’s and Paul Tingley’s sailing skills and strengths they could form a crew and reach the podium. Brian is a skilled businessman with organizational skills imperative for mounting a professional challenge. Brian lost both legs above the knees in a tragic helicopter crash. He was an athletic powerhouse. A hockey player with NHL potential. He learned to control his physical pain and resultant depression by setting goals and fearlessly pursuing success. Reaching the podium filled that need perfectly. Success validated his strength of character. (RVicYC)
Ross Macdonald 1992 Olympic Bronze Medalist in Star and 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist in Star – Vancouver, B.C.	Ross, sailing with Eric Jespersen in the Star Class, won Bronze in the 1992 Olympics, Gold in the 1994 World Championships, and Gold in the 1995 European and Western Hemisphere Championships. In 1995, he was Watch Captain on Merlin, the only Canadian entry to ever win the Transpac Race. In 1997-98, he competed in the Whitbread Round the World Race on Toshiba. Ross won Silver in the Star Class in the 2004 Olympics with Mike Wolfs. Ross represented Canada in the 1988, 1996, and 2000 Olympics, and was Sail Canada’s 1990, 1992, and 2004 Sailor of the Year, and 2004 B.C. Male Athlete of the Year. (RVanYC)
Don Martin Designer and builder including the Martin 16 – Vancouver, B.C.	Don lives a life of innovation and inspiration. He designed and built the successful M242. Of special significance he designed the Martin 16. A sailboat for sailors with sensitivity and strength issues otherwise confined to a wheelchair. Don set them free. Those with weak limbs can sail with a joystick. Those with no sensation use his ingenious sip and puff option. Don excels at literally everything associated with sailing. He has exceptional focus and problem-solving ability. Handicapper. Certified International Judge. Competitive dinghy sailor. Worldwide keelboat racer. Induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame. And so much more. (RVanYC)
John McRoberts 2008 Paralympic Bronze Medalist in Skud 18 and 2016 Paralympic Silver Medalist in Skud – Victoria, B.C.	John McRoberts has represented Canada at four Paralympic Games (Atlanta, Beijing, London and Rio) and is a triple Paralympic medallist – Silver with David Cook (1996, Sonar), Bronze with Stacie Louttit (2008, Skud 18), and Silver with Jackie Gay (2016, Skud 18). In 2016, he was honoured with Sail Canada’s Rolex Sailor of the Year. In the RS Venture class John, with crew Scott Lutes, has achieved World Championship finishes in 2018 (Bronze, Sheboygan), 2019 (Silver, Cadiz), 2023 (Bronze, The Hague). (RVicYC)
Steve Tupper National Team Coach, Executive Director of BC Sailing, ISAF Race Official and Board Sailing Committees member (posthumous) – Vancouver, B.C.	Steve finished 4th in Dragons in the 1968 Olympics and is considered the “founder” of the Canadian National Sailing Team. He led the team in the late 70’s and was head coach of the team favoured to win medals in the boycotted 1980 Olympics. He became Executive Director at BC Sailing, member of the ISAF Board Sailing Committee, and chair of the Race Officials Committee. In 1988, Steve was the ‘Boardsailing coach in Korea. In 2002, he received Sail Canada’s Sailor of the Year award, in 2004, the World Sailing Gold Medal, and became a favorite judge at international championships worldwide. (RVanYC)
Kirk Westergaard 1996 Paralympic Silver Medalist in Sonar – Victoria, B.C.	Kirk Westergaard, sailing a Sonar with David Cook and Ken Kelly, won a Silver Medal in the 1996 Paralympic Games; sailing’s initial inclusion into the Paralympics. The team was awarded one of Sail Canada’s Athletes/Teams of the Year Awards. Kirk continued sailing his Martin 242 White Noise, winning the Victoria Thrash Regatta and the Swiftsure Inshore Regatta in 2018. (RVicYC)
David Williams 2000 Paralympic Bronze Medalist in Sonar (posthumous) – Vancouver, B.C.	Dave began messing about in boats when he was a youngster. His family were sailors. Sailing naturally became his lifelong passion. He was awarded the Sports BC President’s Award in recognition of his contribution to the Board of BC Sailing. He was made an Honorary Life Member at RVanYC to acknowledge his volunteer efforts. His crowning achievement was winning a bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics/Paralympic in 2000 with teammates Brian MacDonald and Paul Tingley. He knew that his father and brother John would have shared pride in his achievement. David passed on February 6, 2024 surrounded by love. (RVanYC)
Mike Wolfs 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist in Star – Mississauga, ON	Mike Wolfs, crewing for Ross Macdonald in the Star Class, won the Silver Medal in the 2004 Olympics, for which they were named Sail Canada’s Sailor of the Year. Sailing J/24s, Mike was a member of the crew that won the 2002 J/24 US National Championship, and the Bronze Medal in the 2007 Pan American Games. In 2011, he was crew aboard the Melges 24 World Champion, and the Canada’s Cup winner Vincere. In 2014, he was part of the crew that won the J/80 World Championships, and the Chicago Mackinac Race. Mike was also crew on the Canada’s Cup winner Hollandia in 2016. (PCYC)

INDUCTED IN 2022

Karen Johnson: Winner of the 1985 Women’s 470 World Championships – RCYC, WVYC
Gail Johnson: Winner of the 1985 Women’s 470 World Championships – RCYC
Judy Lugar: Winner of the 1986 Women’s 470 World Championships – RNSYS, SMSC
Morag McLean: Winner of the 1986 Women’s 470 World Championships – RNSYS, BBYC
Frank McLaughlin: 1988 Olympic bronze medal winner in the Flying Dutchman – RCYC
John Millen: 1988 Olympic bronze medal winner in the Flying Dutchman – RCYC
Perry Connolly: Winner of the 1968 Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC) in Red Jacket and 1969 Canada’s Cup in Manitou – RCYC
Gordon Fisher: Winner of the 1968 Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC) in Red Jacket and 1969 Canada’s Cup in Manitou – RCYC
George Cassian: The 2nd “C” in C&C Yachts and, with George Cuthbertson, designer of Red Jacket – RCYC
Erich Bruckmann: Builder of Red Jacket, founding member of C&C Yachts and Manager of C&C Custom Division
George Hinterhoeller: Designer and builder of the Shark, founding member of C&C Yachts and Hinterhoeller Yachts – NOLSC
Ian Morch: Established Belleville Marine and was a founding member of C&C Yachts – BQYC

INDUCTED IN 2020 (POSTPONED IN 2021)

David Miller – 1972 Olympic Bronze Medal in the Soling Class – B.C. (RVYC)
Paul Cote – 1972 Olympic Bronze Medal in the Soling Class – B.C. (RVYC)
John Ekels – 1972 Olympic Bronze Medal in the Soling Class – B.C. (RVYC)
Glen Dexter – 1977 and 1980 Soling Class World Champion – N.S. (BBYC)
Andreas Josenhans – 1977 and 1980 Soling Class World Champion – N.S. (BBYC)
Sandy MacMillan – 1977 and 1980 Soling Class World Champion – N.S. (BBYC)
Karen Morch – 1984 Olympic Gold Medal Windsurfer Demonstration Class – ON (RCYC)
Terry McLaughlin – 1984 Olympic Silver Medal Flying Dutchman Class – ON (RCYC)
Evert Bastet – 1984 Olympic Silver Medal Flying Dutchman Class – QC (RStLYC)
Terry Neilson – 1984 Olympic Bronze Medal Finn Class – ON (NYC)
Hans Fogh – 1984 Olympic Bronze Medal Soling Class – ON (RCYC)
John Kerr – 1984 Olympic Bronze Medal Soling Class – ON (RCYC)
Steve Calder – 1984 Olympic Bronze Medal Soling Class – ON (RCYC)
Lynn Watters – Renowned International Judge – QC (RStLYC)

INDUCTED IN 2018

David Howard
Don Green
Ian Bruce
Derek Hatfield
1932 Olympic 8-Metre crew: Ernest (Jack) Cribb, Peter Gordon, George Gyles, Harold A. Jones, Ronald Maitland and Hubert Wallace
1932 Olympic 6-Metre crew: Gardner Boultbee, Kenneth Glass, Philip Rogers, and Gerald Wilson

INDUCTED IN 2014

George Cuthbertson
George Cuthbertson started his long yacht design career right out of university, and by the time of the founding of C&C Yachts in 1969 had already established himself and the design firm of Cuthbertson and Cassian as one of the handfuls of leading yacht design firms in the world. With Inishfree, Red Jacket, Inferno, the Redline 41, Manitou, and the C&C 27, 35, 39, 43, 50, and 61, George established a design legacy that would be the envy of any sailor or yacht designer in the world. The successful racing record of C&C designs on International racing circuits established the credibility and panache that led to the successful building of high-quality production boats for everyday sailors and attracted thousands of families to sailing as a recreational pursuit. However, George would cap that remarkable design career by becoming the President of C&C Yachts at a time when it became the most recognized and successful production and custom boat builder in North America and the world. Leaving C&C in 1981 after a corporate take-over, George returned to his first love by re-establishing himself as an independent yacht designer. Without George Cuthbertson there would still have been a boatbuilding industry in Canada, but George Cuthbertson made it a truly Canadian industry by building Canadian designs.

Bruce Kirby
Although Bruce Kirby is globally recognized as the designer of the 13’-10” Laser Olympic sailing dinghy, of which over 215,000 have now been built, Bruce’s design career embraces seven renowned International 14’ Dinghy designs and a multitude of successful one-design classes, such as the Sonar, Kirby 25 and Ideal 18, America’s Cup Twelve Meters; production racer/cruisers like the San Juan 24 and 30; off-shore racing boats such as the Admiral’s Cup 40’ Runaway; a number of innovative cruising designs; and a variety of plywood Sharpie designs for home construction. His sailing career is no less impressive, involving International Fourteen championships and International Team Racing, three Olympic campaigns, and offshore and Admiral’s Cup racing in his boats and others. On top of that Bruce was a pioneering sailing journalist, editor of One-Design and Off-Shore Yachtsman, which lives still as Sailing World magazine. Bruce is already a member of the US National Sailing Hall of Fame, the International Yacht Racing Hall of Fame, the Canadian International Fourteen Foot Dinghy Hall of Fame, and the City of Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.

INDUCTED IN 2005

Paul Henderson
Paul Henderson grew up sailing on Toronto Harbour becoming a successful competitive sailor in classes such as the International 14, Flying Dutchman and Finn. He competed in all the Canadian Olympic Sailing Trials from 1948 to 1984 and represented Canada at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics sailing the Flying Dutchman and at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics (sailing in Acapulco) in the Finn Class. He became an IYRU (now ISAF) committee member in 1970 and rose through the ranks to become Vice President in 1978 and President in 1994, the first President from outside Europe. Paul was an IOC member from 2000-2004. Paul’s numerous awards include ISAF’s Beppe Croce Trophy, the 1994 Rolex Canadian Sailor of the Year and he is an inductee to the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame. During his time at ISAF Paul guided the organisation through much change, as it adopted a new name and introduced the digital age.