Paul Cayard inducted into National Sailing Hall of Fame
At the inaugural ceremony this evening in San Diego, Paul Cayard was among 15 sailing greats inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame.
Having started sailing at the age of seven, Paul Cayard has become one of the best known American sailors of his time. A seven-time world champion, two-time Olympian, Round the World race winner and a veteran of six America’s Cups, Cayard is also the CEO of Artemis Racing – Challenger of Record for the 34th America’s Cup.
This evening’s ceremony recognized the tremendous contribution made to sailing by individuals such as Joshua Slocum and Olin Stephens, as well as living legends Buddy Melges and Lowell North, to name just a few.
Based in Annapolis, Maryland, the National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history of sailing, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to American sailing while also inspiring and encouraging sailing development.
“To be inducted into any Hall of Fame is more than an honor. It is historical, something that can never be taken away, something for future generations. I feel there are plenty of US sailors more worthy of the Hall than I, so I am humbled and flattered to be included in this illustrious group,” said Paul Cayard. “I have crewed for four of the eight living inductees: Dennis Conner, Gary Jobson, Buddy Melges and Lowell North. No question, I had great mentoring in my younger days from these four and a few others. I thank them for their tutelage.”
Over the past year, Paul’s father Pierre Cayard completely restored the El Toro which he built for his son in 1968, the start of his foray into sailing. This evening, Pierre Cayard presented El Toro #6168 to the NSHOF for display in the museum in Annapolis for generations to come.
“On this very special occasion, I was able to be joined by my parents and my children which meant a lot to me,” said Paul. “It is a fairy tale story. I got into sailing by chance when a second grade class mate took me one day. Sailing became my passion, then my vocation. Life is a journey and I have been blessed with an amazing ride.”
In a few short weeks Cayard and Artemis Racing will return to San Diego for the America’s Cup World Series which begins on 16 November, the first event of this Cup cycle to take place in the US
