Paul Cayard honoured as winner of the 2026 Magnus Olsson Prize

With a career spanning more than four decades at the highest level of the sport, Cayard represents the best of international sailing, as an athlete and leader, as well as a highly-regarded mentor and developer of the sport.

Born in San Francisco, Cayard rose through the ranks of competitive sailing to become a two-time Olympian (1984, 2004), and eight-time world champion.

This includes two world titles in the Star class, an achievement that is both extraordinary and improbable, with the wins coming 37 years apart, showcasing a talent, dedication and longevity at the very top of the game that is second to none. Cayard was recognised as the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in 2025, in large part due to this victory, which was widely celebrated throughout the sailing world.

Cayard is also renowned for his achievements in offshore racing. In 1997-98, he skippered ‘EF Language’ to victory in the Whitbread Round the World Race, becoming the first American skipper to win the event. He later finished second in the 2005–06 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, and has countless titles in the Maxi class, Superyachts and the offshore classics.

He has competed in multiple editions of the America's Cup, notably skippering the Italian challenger ‘Il Moro di Venezia’ to victory in the 1992 Louis Vuitton Cup.

Beyond his racing success on the water, Cayard has made a significant contribution to the development and governance of sailing, holding leadership roles across teams, events, and international class associations, as well as leading the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team.

With his competitive achievements and his impact on the sport of sailing, Cayard’s career on and off the water reflects the values of excellence, leadership and sportsmanship celebrated by the Magnus Olsson Prize.

“I was fortunate enough to meet Magnus and to race with him and against him during our time in the Whitbread and Volvo races in the 90s and 2000s,” Cayard said. “The Magnus Olsson I knew was like a giant bottle of ‘Positive Attitude’ that you could pour on anything to make it shine.

“His personality and enthusiasm were magnetic. Magnus was the center of gravity of every boat, every meeting, every project. Whether he was with Heads of State at a formal dinner or with children sailing Optimists, Magnus could hang with them all. I think he is the only person I have ever known who everyone liked, who everyone would say, ‘he made my day better’.

“With that in mind, it’s truly an honour to accept the 2026 Magnus Olsson Prize. Thank you, Mange. We are all smiling thinking of you!”

The Prize Ceremony will be held on 9th June at 17:30 at Nya Djurgårdsvarvet, Stockholm Sweden.