Newport, RI – The hallowed halls of the Herreshoff Marine Museum are set to welcome a truly distinguished quartet into the America's Cup Hall of Fame, with the Class of 2026 inductees announced this week. This latest cohort underscores the diverse and profound impact individuals and families have had on the oldest trophy in international sport.

Leading the charge is Glenn Ashby, the quietly brilliant Australian multihull maestro whose instrumental role in Emirates Team New Zealand's successive America's Cup victories cannot be overstated. Ashby's tactical acumen, combined with his deep understanding of foiling dynamics and wing-sail optimization, has been a cornerstone of ETNZ's dominance, particularly in the AC75 era. His induction is a testament to the modern-day sailor-engineer, a blend of raw talent and technical mastery.

The Beken Dynasty, a name synonymous with breathtaking marine photography, receives well-deserved recognition. For generations, the Bekens have captured the raw power and elegance of America's Cup racing, from the J-Class era to the cutting-edge foiling catamarans. Their iconic imagery has shaped public perception and documented the Cup's evolution, offering an unparalleled visual archive.

Peter Isler, a two-time America's Cup winner and renowned navigator, joins the ranks. Isler's strategic brilliance, honed over decades of grand prix racing and multiple Cup campaigns, demonstrates the critical, often unsung, role of the navigator in orchestrating victory. His understanding of weather routing, tidal gates, and wind shifts has been pivotal in some of the Cup's most memorable moments.

Finally, the late Lowell North, a titan of sailmaking and Olympic medalist, is posthumously inducted. North's eponymous company, North Sails, revolutionized sail design and manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of aerodynamic efficiency. His legacy is woven into the fabric of competitive sailing, influencing every major campaign, including countless America's Cup challengers and defenders. This class truly represents the multifaceted brilliance that defines the America's Cup.