HEAR YE HEAR YE!

​What's new with the Windsurfing Hall of Fame? A lot going on here I can tell you, so why don't I begin with the Facebook Windsurfing Hall of Fame page Nationality Polls. Each day, I've been posting a poll for a new nationality (and in some cases, grouping nations so this doesn't take all year). Those playing along can add names by scrolling down and using the Options field. The criteria of the candidate being at least 50 years old, not already in the 2021 WHOF Class, and unless otherwise stated, born and raised in that country. 
 
What will become of these polls? Is this just a game? This particular group is an Open FB group, therefore the audience is not vetted based on their experience and knowledge of the spor (only recently were the animals herding into the barn given a door full of questions). The younger body of voters leans toward who they have been exposed to. That said, this is a hall of FAME, therefore, many names still in the limelight seem to be rising to the top. However, it is also evident that many incredible sailors that should be at the top are garnishing only one or two votes.  So the answer is yes, it's just a game. So why do it?
 
The original intention was to shed light on the people from all nations, that may not have ventured onto the international stage.  Unfortunately, some of these incredible sailors who have long been retired or fled to ahem, other sports, feel slighted by the results. This is the downside of running any poll, and my apologies to them. They most likely will see themselves on the official ballot regardless of these "fun" polls, which are not fun to all. 
 
The results are there to see for all members of the Official WHOF Voting Body and WHOF Selection Committee. There are two separate, closed and private groups. And...those that are receiving a ton of votes will most likely be seen on the official ballot. Their names are not surprising, and they do have a ring of Fame to their names.
 
Currently, the newly selected Selection Committee are voting on opening up pages for categorization of the WHOF: Photographers, Media, Sailmakers, Innovaters, Shapers, Pioneers... to name just a few. 
 
Stay tuned!

​JW

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