Cape Horn Hall of Fame Honors Six Notable Sailors

The annual Cape Horn Hall of Fame awards honored six new inductees from around the world. The event, hosted by the International Association of Cape Horners, celebrated the accomplishments of sailors who have successfully navigated the treacherous waters around Cape Horn.

Among the inductees were Commodore George Anson, a British naval officer who led an 8-ship squadron around Cape Horn and into the Pacific in the early 18th century. He captured a Spanish galleon carrying a massive treasure horde thought to be one-third of the bullion in the Bank of England today.

Other inductees included Alexia Barrier, a French sailor who completed two solo circumnavigations, including one aboard her IMOCA 60 4myplanet, and set an all-female record for the Jules Verne Trophy with her crew. Thomas Coville, a veteran of 15 Cape Horn roundings, also received induction honors for skippering the trimaran Sodebo Ultim 3 to win the Jules Verne trophy.

The event's keynote speaker was Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, President of the Cape Horners Association, who noted that only about 7% of sailors have completed a solo non-stop circumnavigation around the world. He also highlighted the relatively small number of sailors who have successfully navigated Cape Horn compared to climbers who have reached the summit of Mount Everest.