The hallowed halls of the Herreshoff Marine Museum, home to the America's Cup Hall of Fame, are set to welcome a truly distinguished Class of 2026. This year's inductees – Glenn Ashby, the Beken Dynasty, Peter Isler, and Lowell North – represent a cross-section of brilliance that has shaped the Cup's narrative, from the high-stakes helming to the very fabric of its technology and its indelible visual legacy.

For any serious follower of competitive sailing, Glenn Ashby's inclusion is a no-brainer. The quiet Australian, a multiple A-Class Catamaran world champion, has been the tactical lynchpin and wing trimmer for Emirates Team New Zealand through multiple Cup cycles, including their dominant victories. His unparalleled understanding of multihull dynamics and wing sail optimization, often working in tandem with Peter Burling, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of foiling technology. Ashby’s calm under pressure and technical acumen epitomize the modern Cup sailor.

Then there's the Beken Dynasty. For over a century, the Bekens of Cowes have been the eyes of yachting, capturing the majesty and drama of the America's Cup through their iconic photography. Their work transcends mere documentation; it's art that has defined how generations perceive the beauty and power of these magnificent machines. From J-Class titans to AC75s, their lens has chronicled the evolution of the sport.

Peter Isler, a two-time America's Cup winner as a navigator, brings a wealth of strategic depth and media savvy to the Hall. His ability to interpret complex weather patterns and tidal gates, often under immense pressure, has been crucial in Cup campaigns. Beyond the racecourse, Isler has been a tireless educator and commentator, demystifying the intricacies of the sport for a wider audience.

Finally, the late Lowell North. A two-time Olympic medalist and a titan of sailmaking, North's impact on the sport is immeasurable. His eponymous company, North Sails, revolutionized sail design and construction, introducing innovations that became industry standards. From cross-cut to 3DL and now 3Di, North's legacy is woven into the very sails that power today's grand prix racers and America's Cup challengers. His scientific approach to sail design laid the groundwork for the sophisticated aerodynamic analysis we see in every campaign from Luna Rossa to INEOS Britannia. This class truly embodies the multifaceted genius that defines the America's Cup.