The International Association of Cape Horners (IACH) has announced that nominations for the 2024 Cape Horn Hall of Fame Awards are now open.
The awards aim to honour the most accomplished sailors who have sailed around the challenging Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America.
The IACH has already received nominations for some significant names in the sailing world, including the first woman to win any round-the-world race, Kirsten Neuschäfer, and renowned French sailor Loïck Peyron. However, the public still has until 30th April to submit their nominations.
The IACH, which organises the awards, has an independent judging panel, including the chairman and renowned sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. The panel will select a shortlist of 20 contenders, which will then be voted on by the entire IACH membership to select the top six inductees.
The award ceremony will be held in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, on 26th October, during the 2024/25 Vendée Globe Race build-up. The ceremony will take place at the Cape Horners Yacht Club, also known as "Le Carre," which opened last year. The Club has a bar, dining room, and terrace overlooking the Vendee Globe marina, and it holds a collection of memorabilia from famous circumnavigations.
The IACH Cape Horn Hall of Fame honours board currently lists 26 famous Cape Horners, including Dame Ellen MacArthur, Jeanne Socrates, and Grant Dalton.