Beacon - Annapolis Yacht Club

Rendition courtesy of National Sailing Hall of Fame.
A repository for lists is just part of the plan. The vision
has expanded to include a museum that will be a
center for environmental expositions, and an educational
center for sailing. Partners are US Sailing, the America’s
Cup Hall of Fame at the Herreshoff Marine Museum,
and other strategic relationships including the U.S. Naval
Academy, the Congressional Cup, Sailing World, the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR).
The road to reach this point has not been easy. There
were legitimate concerns by preservationists regarding
the use of the land. There is a building on the site that
has been used by the police. Originally, the building was
the working home of a waterman named William Burtis.
The NSHOF spent about two years attending hearings,
learning what the concerns were, and explaining
the mission. Once this process was complete, bids were
received from 26 architects from around the country.
Joseph Boggs was selected. The firm’s recent projects
have included the American History Museum in Washington,
D.C. (part of the Smithsonian Institute) and the
Jewish Chapel at the Naval Academy.
The DNR/Burtis House property covers about
5,000 square feet of area. In January 2009, the NSHOF
acquired an adjacent piece of property from the Phillips
Seafood Company for $2,850,000. The City of Annapolis
is providing a portion of Prince George Street,
through a long-term lease. In 2008, the City of Annapolis
completed a $9 million reconstruction of the City
Dock area. This includes 572 feet of dock space owned
by the NSHOF. The entire facility will be a two-way
gateway for sailors looking to head out to the bay, or
arrive at Annapolis by water. Ultimately, the plan calls
for construction of a $12 million building and outdoor
display area. Certainly, this is a challenging time to raise
funds. The NSHOF is working on opening a temporary
exhibit in the existing facilities.
Recent boats that have been on display have included
President John F. Kennedy’s Manitou, When and If
originally built by General George S. Patton, and the
Pride of Baltimore II. In fact, there are many historic figures
who were active sailors like John Kennedy. Others
include Albert Einstein, Harold Vanderbilt, and the late
Olin Stephens. In addition to honoring these and many
other sailors, the facility will host regattas and ceremonies,
and showcase sailing to the public.
Sailing has a long and storied history. The early explorers,
naval expeditions, commerce, and racing are all
linked through maritime history. The NSHOF plans to
make these connections. An important part of the facility
will focus on broadband access, interactive displays,
and the archiving of information. A library is planned in
memory of Maine boat builder Tom Morris.
Other sports have their Halls of Fame, think Cooperstown
for baseball and Canton, Ohio for football.
Annapolis is a logical place for a sailing Hall of Fame.
Many yacht clubs across the United States are supporting
the NSHOF. Until his death in July, Walter Cronkite
was the Honorary Chairman. Ted Turner, Dawn Riley,
Paul Cayard, and Morgan Freeman are just a few of the
sailors on the Advisory Board.
It will take broad support from sailors across America
to help make this vision a reality as we inaugurate our
capital campaign. In the meantime, the National Sailing
Hall of Fame has a terrific piece of property in an historic
sailing town.
VOLUME 1, NO. 2
AYC BEACON
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