Paul Cayard
Legendary American sailor Paul Cayard has been named the 2025 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, sailing’s most prestigious individual honor. The award was announced on 12 February 2026 at the US Sailing Rolex Champions Dinner in New York.
The accolade crowns a remarkable season for Cayard and adds significant momentum to his role as keynote speaker at the sold-out 13th HSS Classic Yacht Symposium on 28 March 2026 at the Helsinki Music Centre.
Cayard’s keynote address, titled “The Timeless Appeal of the International Star Class,” will explore the enduring relevance of the Star — a 1911 keelboat that continues to attract the world’s elite sailors. Cayard claimed the 2025 Star World Championship and has long been one of sailing’s most versatile and successful competitors.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Paul Cayard’s sailing résumé spans decades and disciplines:
- Seven America’s Cup campaigns
- Winner of the 1997-98 Whitbread Round the World Race
- Two Olympic Games
- Eight World Championship titles
- President of the International Star Class Association
The Rolex Yachtsman of the Year award, voted on by past winners and leading international media, recognizes Cayard’s exceptional achievements, including his performance in classic and competitive racing throughout 2025.
An International Gathering of Classic Sailing Culture
Founded in 2011, the HSS Classic Yacht Symposium has become a leading forum for sailors, designers, historians and enthusiasts of classic yachts worldwide. Supported by the City of Helsinki and the Finnish National Sailing Federation, the event attracts participants from across Europe, Australia and North America.
Finland and the wider Nordic region are home to one of the world’s most active fleets of classic Metre boats and skerry cruisers. In Scandinavia, wooden racing yachts were never displaced by modern materials but maintained as living, competitive fleets. The Classic Yacht Symposium reflects that culture — one where heritage boats remain raced, restored and celebrated across generations.
The 2026 Symposium features a distinguished global line-up of speakers:
- Peter Shipway (Australia) — 31 Sydney-Hobart starts and five line honors
- Dr. William Collier (Scotland) — Yacht historian and owner of G.L. Watson Ltd
- Bobby Cyrus (Sweden) — Authority on Nordic yacht-building
- The Sailing L8dies (Finland) — The world’s first all-female Int. 8-Metre team
- Pecha Kucha presenters from Spain, Germany, Finland and Australia
With tickets sold out well ahead of the event, the Symposium reflects a growing international appetite for classic yacht culture, maritime history and the ongoing relevance of heritage classes in modern sailing.
Event Details
- When: Saturday, 28 March 2026, 12:00-16:30
- Where: Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo), Helsinki, Finland
- Followed by: Gala dinner at Hilton Kalastajatorppa
- Weekend programme: Sunday excursion to Red Sky Yachts in Kotka
