Paul Cayard

Paul Pierre Cayard (born May 19, 1959) is an American yachtsman and professional sailor whose career spans Olympic sailing, the America's Cup, and offshore round-the-world racing. He is one of the most accomplished American sailors of his generation, with major victories across multiple disciplines of the sport.

Cayard competed in the Star class at the Olympic Games and was a long-time presence in the America's Cup, where he served as skipper, helmsman, and team leader for several prominent syndicates. His most notable America's Cup achievement came in 1992, when he led the Italian team Il Moro di Venezia to victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup, earning the right to challenge for the America's Cup.

In offshore racing, Cayard achieved international recognition as skipper of EF Language by winning the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1997–98, becoming the first American to win the event as skipper. He later finished second overall in the 2005–06 Volvo Ocean Race as skipper of Pirates of the Caribbean. In addition to offshore success, he has won multiple world championships in keelboat and one-design classes.

Beyond active competition, Cayard has held leadership and governance roles within professional sailing and international sailing organizations. He has served in executive and administrative positions, including leadership roles within the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association. His career contributions have been recognized with induction into the U.S. Sailing Hall of Fame, the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, and the America's Cup Hall of Fame.