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Located in the 'Sailing Capital of the World,' The Sailing Museum will have much to offer for old salts and neophytes alike.
The first national museum of all things sailing will be in Newport, Rhode Island. Situated in the historic Armory building on the waterfront in downtown Newport, The Sailing Museum will feature more than 11,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, displays chronicling the history of the sport, and galleries honoring inductees into the National Sailing and America's Cup halls of fame.
A personalized journey (via RFID — radio frequency identification) through six thematic areas begins with the selection of a boat. Visitors can select from one of seven on a screen. The boat will become that person's avatar throughout the museum experience, guiding them through the interactive elements, several of which will be specific to their selected boat.
Key sections will be about teamwork, competition, and making of a champion — the mental and physical aspects. Interactive educational exhibits for all ages will show how the sport serves the five disciplines: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) with real-life applications. Special sections will be dedicated to more than 175 legends in the National Sailing Hall Of Fame and the America's Cup Hall Of Fame.
The museum is scheduled to open Spring 2022. Take a virtual tour here.
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"Our new home will be a feast for the senses, harnessing technology to bring the excitement of sailing to life and honoring our sport's heroes in exciting and innovative ways," said Gus Carlson, president of the National Sailing Hall of Fame, which is developing the museum. "Our goal is to create a special place that engages everyone, from our sport's faithful to casual sailors to newcomers who are curious about what happens when wind and water meet."
The heart of The Sailing Museum will be galleries for the National Sailing Hall of Fame and the America's Cup Hall of Fame, honoring the achievements and commitment to excellence of those men and women who have contributed to the sport of sailing at the highest levels.
In addition, the museum will feature a mix of high- and low-tech interactive exhibits with built-in "stealth learning" components that share the principles of sailing and provide seasoned sailors with opportunities to test their skills and knowledge. The museum will include the only on-site "virtual regatta" experience in the country and connect visitors with an interest in trying sailing to providers locally and around the country. A corresponding educational program will be offered for visiting groups with school-aged children.
Visit TheSailingMuseum.org to learn more or to donate.