A Legend Reclaimed: Paul Cayard’s Triumphant Return

I have had the privilege of working alongside Paul Cayard for many years, learning not only about the science and art of sailing, but about what it truly means to lead. Watching Paul capture his second Star World Championship last week, thirty-seven years after his first, is more than just a sporting achievement, it is a powerful reminder of the resilience, character, and unbreakable spirit that make him the leader of America One Racing (“A1R”).

Paul’s career has always been extraordinary. From his earliest days in the Laser, 505 and Star Classes in the late seventies, to winning his first Star World Championship in Buenos Aires in 1988, to competing in the Whitbread Round the World Race, Olympics and the America’s Cup, he has consistently tested himself at the very highest level of our sport. He has also been recognized for his contributions to sailing through his place in the US National Sailing Hall of Fame and his pending induction next month into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. But what has always stood out to me is not just the victories, but the way he carried himself through the storms.

Paul has faced setbacks—sometimes deeply unfair ones. I witnessed moments when his efforts to help athletes and strengthen the Olympic program at US Sailing were met with resistance and, at times, treatment that did not reward his unwavering dedication or his achievements.

Where many would have walked away, Paul chose a different path. He continues to serve the sport, helping get A1R’s Project Podium and Foiling Pathway off the ground, while also serving and taking on the role as the President of the International Star Class, working to preserve its legacy and create opportunities for younger sailors. That willingness to keep giving back, even after disappointment, is a true measure of leadership.

That is why this win in Split, Croatia means so much. Against a fleet of more than one hundred world class teams, Paul and Frithjof Kleen fought a battle that tested every ounce of their experience and composure. The final race was not easy; they made it harder on themselves than they needed to, and yet never lost sight of the bigger picture. They held steady when it mattered most, and when it was over, Paul Cayard was once again the Star World Champion—thirty-seven years after his first Gold Star.

For me, and for all of us at America One Racing, this victory is a symbol. It shows that nothing—not time, not adversity, not unfairness—can stop someone whose determination is greater than the obstacles in front of them. Paul has shown me, and countless others, that leadership is not about words, or even about results alone. It is about how you respond when things don’t go your way, how you stay true to your values, and how you inspire others to keep pushing forward.

This is why Paul Cayard is a sailing legend. His journey is a testament to resilience, service, and authenticity. He has lived the highs and lows of a sporting life, and yet he continues to compete, to give back, and to lead by example. His win is not just his own; it belongs to every athlete, every coach, and every young sailor who now has living proof that greatness can be achieved again and again if you refuse to give up.

Congratulations, Paul. You show us that belief, perseverance, and passion turn dreams into reality—and you inspire us to do the same.

About America One Racing:  America One Racing (A1R) is dedicated to developing high-potential sailors and preparing them for success on the world stage. A1R provides athletes with elite coaching, performance planning, and cutting-edge resources to compete in top international events, including the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and Youth World Championships. A1R’s commitment to youth development takes place through its Foiling Platform and squad training.  

This mission is made possible through the generous support of key partners—including the Sailing Foundation of New York, the Schoonmaker Foundation, and American Magic/Quantum Racing—whose shared commitment to excellence is helping elevate American sailing on the global stage.

Building on America One’s 25-year legacy of advancing sailing in the U.S., A1R continues to shape the future of the sport, ensuring American sailors have the tools to reach the podium. For more information, visit www.americaoneracing.us.