Nineteen inductees representing notable sailors and marine industry revolutionaries will be inducted into the Wisconsin Sailing and Maritime Hall of Fame Sept. 19. Sailing commentator and writer Gary Jobson will serve as the emcee at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

The inaugural class of Hall of Famers, selected as individuals whose leadership, courage, innovation and passion have made lasting contributions to sailing and maritime life throughout the state.

Longtime SAILING Magazine publisher Bill Schanen is among the eight people joining the Sailing Hall of Fame. 

“His dedication to sailing and storytelling has left an enduring mark on the sport and the generations of sailors inspired by his work,” the organization said.

Three Olympic gold medallists whose on-the-water accomplishments went far beyond those medals are also being inducted. America’s Cup skipper and founder of Melges Boats Harry “Buddy” Melges Jr. and William “Bill” Bentson won gold in the Soling class in 1972. 

Petter Barrett sailed in three Olympics, winning silver in the Finn class in 1964 and gold in the Star class in 1968 before going on to design several sailboats built by C&C Yachts.

Jane Pegel, who was perhaps best known for her iceboating prowess was named Yachtswoman of the Year in 1972 when she won the competitive M-Scow National Championship along with several other regattas.

Bill Mattison, another stellar scow and iceboat sailor, was the first to use composite construction and incorporate maximum-depth foil spar sections to smooth airflow.

Dean Cady sailed from boyhood but became best known for his contributions in judging and race management. 

Milwaukee’s John Strassman has also dedicated much of his sailing life to race management, serving as a US Sailing National Race Officer and a World Sailing International Race Officer.

Wisconsin’s rich maritime industry history is well represented by the 11 inductees into the Maritime Hall of Fame.

Brothers Olaf and Peter Harken founded Harken Yacht Equipment with a revolutionary ball-bearing block that transformed sail handing. The company thrived when business leader Art Mitchell joined the team and together the trio created one of the most recognizable brands in the sailing world.

Palmer Johnson Yachts was long considered one of the most respected names in custom yacht building and at the forefront of the company in its heyday were Mike Kelsey Sr., Edward “Shuff” Willman and Bill Parsons who together strengthened Sturgeon Bay’s maritime reputation and created a lasting legacy.

Nationally recognized yacht designer Bill Prince, who designs from his Port Washington office, has put his mark on a wide range of projects, from 22-foot runabouts to 197-foot custom yachts. Blending artistry and engineering, his work continues to help shape the industry.

Daniel “Don” O’Keefe grew up in Ireland but found a home at Burger Boat Co. where for three decades he designed more than 100 boats, including some of the company’s most celebrated boats including Windrush and Lad.

Mercury Marine founder Carl Kiekhafer redefined recreational boating through groundbreaking developments in outboard technology, laying the groundwork for the company’s ongoing leadership in marine propulsion and performance.

Great Lakes commercial fishing would not be the same without the contributions of William Kahlenberg Sr., who in 1895 founded Kahlenberg Brothers Co., which started as a small machine shop and ended up transforming marine propulsion with early gasoline engines and patented Kahlenberg oil engines, helping replace sail and steam power with reliable internal combustion technology.