A1R’s Paul Cayard named 2025 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year
A1R’s Paul Cayard named 2025 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, adding another chapter to one of the most accomplished and enduring careers in American sailing.
Congratulations to our very own Paul Cayard for his selection as the 2025 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. One of the most accomplished, versatile and enduring competitors in American sailing history, Paul’s career now spans more than four decades at the very top of the sport. Beyond the results, Paul is the visionary behind America One Racing and Project Podium: a leader, mentor, and communicator who elevates teams and builds winning programs. He is defined by intensity, precision and leadership, and to us he brings all that and more every day. We are grateful.
“It’s About the Journey”
Despite the accolades, Cayard’s remarks at the Feb 12 awards ceremony reflected a perspective shaped by decades at sea:
“What’s really important in life? These awards are great, and I love them, and I appreciate them! But life is about the journey, that’s been talked about here in the room tonight, and for anybody who’s won anything, you know that you lose a lot more than you win. So you have to embrace the entire journey, because it’s your journey. It’s your life, and it’s all good.”
For a sailor who has experienced both the highest victories and the hardest defeats, the message resonates. Paul Cayard’s legacy is not defined solely by championships and campaigns, but by leadership, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to elevating the sport.
From Lake Merritt to the World Stage
Cayard’s journey began on Lake Merritt in Oakland at age seven. He later joined the junior program at St. Francis Yacht Club, laying the foundation for what would become a global sailing career. After four America’s Cup campaigns, he co-founded AmericaOne in 1995 to mount a challenge for the 2000 Cup. The team advanced to the challenger finals before falling to Prada. In the years that followed, AmericaOne transitioned into a grant-making foundation, donating more than $6 million to U.S. youth and Olympic sailing programs. In 2014, Cayard stepped in as Managing Director of AmericaOne, overseeing its continued investment in youth development. In 2023, he helped guide AmericaOne back into competition as a racing team. He continues to serve as a director of America One Racing (A1R) and remains an active competitor, often sailing alongside his son, Danny in the Star Class. Beyond competition, Cayard has served the broader sailing community, including as Chairman of the Board of St. Francis Yacht Club (2019–2020). His impact has been recognized with induction into the National Sailing Hall of Fame (2011), the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (2020), and The America’s Cup Hall of Fame (2025). He was previously honored as Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in 1998 and remains a Rolex Ambassador.
Paul’s experiences continue to guide him on and off the water, testing time and talent. Notes Paul after his distinguished award: “Years are proof not limits. “Prime” has no expiration.”
An icon. A champion. Still pushing the sport forward. With more than four decades behind him and still racing at the highest level, his journey continues. On behalf of us all at A1R, CONGRATULATIONS Paul!
