Paul Cayard to Lead US Olympic Sailing Program

US Sailing has just announced that Bay Area sailor Paul Cayard will take the helm of the US Sailing Team, including the US Olympic Sailing program.

Cayard has been involved in Olympic sailing throughout his career. He is a two-time Olympian — in 1984 and 2004 — and earned a silver medal in the Star Class at the pre-Olympic regatta in 2003. Cayard also competed in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, finishing in fifth place.

“We are thrilled to be making this announcement today that Paul Cayard will be taking the lead of the US Sailing Team and our Olympic Sailing program,” said Cory Sertl, president of US Sailing.

“Paul’s passion for Olympic Sailing and his drive for excellence have inspired American sailors for decades, both on and off the racecourse. His strong leadership skills and experiences, combined with his energy and enthusiasm, will be a tremendous asset to the program. We look forward to working closely with Paul as we prepare for the 2021 Tokyo Games, and we believe in his vision for our future as we look ahead to Paris 2024 and L.A. 2028.”

Cayard is a seven-time world champion and seven-time America’s Cup competitor He circumnavigated the world twice, and was the first American to win the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1998. That same year he was selected as the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, and in 2011 was inducted in the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

Cayard expressed his optimism and confidence in the future of US Olympic sailing. “We have everything we need to win in this country. What we need to do is come together as a movement, as Americans, to bring American excellence to bear on the field of play, through our very dedicated and talented athletes. There is a role for everyone in American sailing to play in our journey toward the top of the podium.”

You can read the full press release here.

The crew at Latitude are thrilled to see Paul taking this role and wish him all the best for success in his new role as executive director of the US Olympic Sailing program.

Congratulations Paul! We hope we’ll still see you on the water from time to time. – ed.