Governor Ehrlich Announces Agreement to Establish National Sailing Hall of Fame in Annapolis

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Governor Ehrlich Announces Agreement to Establish National Sailing Hall of Fame in Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS - Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., announced today a formal agreement to establish the National Sailing Hall of Fame in Annapolis. Governor Ehrlich joined Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer; National Sailing Hall of Fame & Museum, Inc. President Buck Buchanan; U.S. Sailing President Janet Baxter; America’s Cup champion and television broadcaster Gary Jobson, and other sailing dignitaries to sign a memorandum of understanding that formalized an agreement to establish the museum in Maryland’s capital city.

“Today we add a new jewel in the crown for the State of Maryland and the United States,” said Governor Ehrlich. “The National Sailing Hall of Fame rightfully belongs here in Annapolis, Maryland – America’s Sailing Capital – for Marylanders and tourists to enjoy.”

“The National Sailing Hall of Fame will preserve the history of the sport of sailing and its impact on our culture by honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport,” added Baxter. “This will be the home of America’s sailing history.”

In 2004, the National Sailing Hall of Fame & Museum, Inc. was founded with the goal of establishing and fundraising for a National Sailing Hall of Fame that will promote U.S. sailing achievements and educate the public about the sport.

“Baseball, basketball, football, tennis, golf and lacrosse all have national halls of fame,” said NSHOF President Buchanan. “The sport of sailing will have a similar place that will focus public attention on our sailing accomplishments, inspire junior sailing development, and provide an international landmark for sailing enthusiasts.”

In the coming months, NSHOF officials will work with the State of Maryland and the City of Annapolis to establish a permanent lease to acquire the necessary property in Annapolis. The NSHOF will be a multi-site museum with the Natural Resources Police building at Annapolis’ City Dock as the main site for the new museum.

Governor Ehrlich has directed the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to work with NSHOF officials to accommodate the permanent establishment of the Hall. Preliminary negotiations have begun to co-locate the NSHOF in the historic building that currently serves as a headquarters for Natural Resources Police.

NSHOF President Buchanan also announced that the first exhibits and displays for the museum will be prepared in time for the arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race, the round-the-world sailing competition that will return to Annapolis for the third time as part of a planned stopover in April 2006.

“We will be up and running in some capacity by April when the sailing world will be focused on the Baltimore/Annapolis region,” said Buchanan. “Now that we have reached an agreement on our location, we can focus on fundraising to make the Hall a place for sailing enthusiasts to be proud of.”

Governor Ehrlich also bestowed Gary Jobson with the title of Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay, a rank of respect, gratefully conveyed to those with a loyal interest in the Maritime State and its beautiful bay, which harbors the ships of the world. Jobson was the original driving force behind the creation of the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

Jobson was Ted Turner’s Tactician when they captured the America’s Cup in 1977. He pioneered sailing coverage on ESPN, persuading sailors to put cameras on their boats, and won an Emmy for his Olympic sailing coverage for NBC. He has produced over 450 sailing programs and 16 films. He has written 15 sailing books and he founded the Leukemia Cup, which has raised $18 million for medical research. Finally, as a resident of Annapolis, he has brought premiere sailing events to the Chesapeake Bay, including the Columbus Cup, Whitbread, and Volvo Ocean Race.

“We look forward to working with all those involved with the National Sailing Hall of Fame to make this the premier destination for sailing enthusiasts around the world,” said Governor Ehrlich.

December 21, 2005
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov