SSL sailor – Paul Cayard has been named the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, while Laura Grondin has been named the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year. These awards recognize their exceptional accomplishments in the sport of sailing over the past calendar year.
The winners were honored at an awards ceremony during the New York Yacht Club Champions Dinner and US Sailing Awards in New York City. The selection process involved a vote by past Rolex Award winners and prominent members of the sailing media.
Paul Cayard was a regular competitor of the Star Sailors League Finals in Nassau. Cayard has claimed multiple victories in the event over the years. Beyond his racing career, Cayard has been a strong supporter of SSL initiatives, including the development of the SSL Gold Cup, a national team competition inspired by football’s World Cup format.
A seasoned veteran on the racing scene, Paul Cayard has no shortage of titles to his name. His mainstay has been the Star Class, where in 2025 he won the World Championship, triumphing over a fleet of 100-plus boats. This championship win is Cayard’s second Star World title, 37 years after his first World title in 1988. He also placed third at the Star North American Championship. Outside of Star sailing, Cayard is an accomplished tactician, winning the Voiles des St. Tropez on Twin Soul B. This will be his second Rolex, following his win in 1998.
Outside his accomplishments in 2025 for which he was awarded the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, Cayard is one of the most experienced American sailors to date. He has competed in the Olympics, America’s Cup, and Whitbread Round the World Race (now The Ocean Race), winning the Louis Vuitton Cup aboard the Italian Il Moro de Venezia in 1992 and Whitbread aboard EF Language in 1998. He competed in the 2004 Olympics in the Star Class for the United States, placing fifth overall. Since then, Cayard has been involved in the management side of the sport, serving as the Director of America One Racing and President of the International Star Class.
Congratulations!