America’s Cup Hall of Fame

October 16, 2025
Being inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame — alongside legends Jimmy Spithill and Susan Henn — in the iconic Model Room of the New York Yacht Club, and in front of an all-star audience of family, friends, and peers, was one of the great highlights of my life.
The honor gave me a moment to pause and reflect on this incredible journey: From the America’s Cup to the Olympics, around-the-world racing, regattas big and small, sailing with my kids — and now, at 66, winning another Star World Championship — sailing has enriched my life in ways words can hardly capture. I’m filled with emotion and deep gratitude.
Life is like an hourglass — and last night, we celebrated the sand that’s already fallen. While I’m honored by the recognition, my focus remains on what’s still ahead.
Through America One Foundation, and with our amazing partners; the Sailing Foundation of New York, the St. Francis Sailing Foundation, the Schoonmaker Foundation, and so many passionate individuals — some of whom were in the room last night — we’re helping the youth of America chase their dreams. That’s even more fulfilling than winning my own races. Because paying it forward, is our greatest purpose.
Photo credit Hechler Photographers
ACHOF Chairman Steven Tsuchiya performing the induction
Henn (Great grandson), Spithill, Cayard
AC 1987 crew: Silvestri, Keefe, Stuart, Cayard
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Star World Championship-2025

September 13, 2025

37 years later- back on top of the World! 🏆
⭐

I won my first Star World Championship in 1988 at age 28. That victory launched my professional sailing career. I kept coming back to the Star while racing in the America’s Cup and Whitbread because it grounded me in the skills that are core to my craft.

 

Since stepping away from the “big time” a decade ago, I’ve been chasing this title again — finishing 3rd in 2018 and 2022 and narrowly missing in 2024. That sting of that loss stuck with me.

This year, in Split, Croatia, against 101 of the world’s best teams, I finally did it. To be back on top of what I consider the best One-Design in Sailing, after 37 years — and become the oldest Star World Champion at 66, is gratifying beyond words. I couldn’t have won without great teammates, Steve Erickson ’88 and Frithjof Kleen ’25.

 

I am now qualified to say: “Age is just a number!”

 

The Star Class has always been my foundation in sailing. Its legends inspired me as a kid, and winning my first Worlds in ’88 made me feel part of that history. Now, as a two-time Gold Star winner and International Star Class President, I’m committed to giving the next generation the same opportunities this sport has given me.

 

I’m blessed to be a Star sailor for life!

Paul Cayard

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