David Pescud OAM is heading into the NSW Hall of Champions, recognised for decades of work opening up sailing to people with disabilities.
The announcement comes from Sport NSW, which credited Pescud's commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the sport.
Pescud founded the Making Waves Foundation, formerly known as Sailors with disAbilities, and skippered the first boat crewed entirely by people with disabilities in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart. His crews have since won their division twice at the Boxing Day Classic.
He also holds a speed record. The team still holds the World Sailing Speed Record for the fastest circumnavigation of Australia by a monohull yacht, set in July 2003 aboard KAZ.
In 2023, Pescud received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to people with disability.
Malcolm Page OAM, chief executive of Australian Sailing, acknowledged the honour.
"David's contribution to sailing extends far beyond the water, making a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with disability," Page said. "His dedication to making sailing accessible to everyone is helping create a more inclusive sport, where everyone has the opportunity to experience the freedom and enjoyment of sailing."
"On behalf of Australian Sailing we thank him for his significant contribution to our sport and congratulate him on his induction into the NSW Hall of Champions."
Pescud joins four other inductees this year: Stephen Davies (hockey), Jennifer Luff (rowing), Rick McCosker OAM (cricket) and Kathleen Shannon-Bazzano (cycling).
NSW Sport Hall of Champions Committee chair Alan Whelpton AO said the group were worthy additions, representing country, state, sport and themselves "with distinction". Their influence, he added, reaches "beyond the field of play", pointing the next generation towards success at the highest level.
Sport NSW chief executive Ellie Laing-Southwood echoed the sentiment, saying the five inductees had "served their sport and the wider sports community with honour and distinction."
Inductees are approved by the NSW Minister for Sport following recommendations from the Hall of Champions Selection Committee and the state's peak sporting bodies. The Hall itself is based at the Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park.
