Laura Grondin and Paul Cayard: Rolex Winners 2026

Berthing, trailer transfers, and on-shore crane schedules became a coordination exercise for New York marinas as dozens of international entries in the J/70 and Star fleets required reserved slips, customs paperwork, and timed arrival windows during the New York Yacht Club Champions Dinner week.

Rolex Yachtspeople Awards 2025: winners and regatta logistics

The 2025 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year titles were awarded to Laura Grondin and Paul Cayard, selected for standout competitive results across multiple high-level events. The awards ceremony and surrounding regatta calendar placed significant demands on harbor infrastructure, from mooring capacity to event-security coordination, reflecting the operational side of hosting top-tier sailing competitions.

Event logistics that shaped the regattas

• Marina capacity: Multiple venues had to allocate transient berths for classes arriving with shore crews and support vessels.
• Customs and transport: European and South American teams required bonded trailer handling and expedited clearance for keels and rigs.
• On-water management: Race committees coordinated radio channels, spectator zones, and safety boats to protect both competitors and charter operations.

Winners at a glance

Finalists and competition

The shortlist included Alli Bell, Pearl Lattanzi, Justin Callahan, and Taylor Canfield, each recognized for achievements that influenced fleet strategies and charter demand during the season.

Profiles: what they achieved on the water

Laura Grondin — keelboat leadership and breakthrough moments

Laura Grondin led Dark Energy to the J/70 World Championship in a regatta decided in the final race, making history as the first female helm to win that title. Her campaign also included a strong runner-up performance at the Melges 24 World Championship, where recovery from an early collision and two DNFs demonstrated strategic resilience. Grondin’s record in the J/70 fleet—podium finishes in 2021, 2023, and now a world title—cements her reputation as a top owner-driver and class leader.

Paul Cayard — veteran tactician returns to the top

Paul Cayard captured the 2025 Star World Championship in a fleet exceeding 100 boats, his second Star World title after 1988. Cayard also took third at the Star North Americans and won the Voiles de St. Tropez aboard Twin Soul B, showcasing versatility between classic keelboat matchups and high-profile international regattas. His resume includes Olympic competition, Whitbread/ The Ocean Race success with EF Language, and a Louis Vuitton Cup victory on Il Moro de Venezia, giving him strategic depth as both skipper and manager.

How these results affect charter markets and yacht activity

High-profile wins like these tend to ripple into the charter and brokerage markets. Regatta-driven interest increases bookings for charter boats during major events, places pressure on marinas for short-term berths, and raises demand for experienced skippers and captains who can provide race coaching or event support. Fleet owners often capitalize on championship visibility to promote yacht sales, charters, and refits ahead of peak season.

• Charter demand spike: Regatta weeks see higher search and booking volume for boats similar to winning platforms.
• Captain and coach services: Experienced tacticians are in demand for race coaching charters.
• Marina and service bookings: Mooring, fueling, and provisioning lanes can become congested around major events.

Practical advice for sailors and charterers

Plan ahead for regatta-season charters: reserve moorings and service slots early, confirm transport logistics for trailers and spares, and consider hiring an experienced skipper if aiming to participate or spectate close to competition areas. For those renting a boat for leisure, note that event weeks may command higher rates and limited availability.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as the team truly understands what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The platform values the freedom to choose your own course and helps match renters with vessels that fit preferences, budgets, and experience levels.

Forecast: this pair of awards will have modest global tourism impact but significant influence within the international yachting community. Major regattas attract visitors and charters to host marinas, yet the broader global travel map sees only localized uplift. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

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Summary: The 2025 Rolex awards recognized Laura Grondin and Paul Cayard for exceptional performance in J/70, Melges 24, and Star Class competition, achievements that reverberate through charter demand, marina operations, and the yachting calendar. Whether you are searching for a yacht charter, evaluating a sale, or booking a coastal getaway, factors like captain expertise, marina availability, and event timing will shape your options. GetBoat provides a transparent, global platform to book or buy yachts, sailboats, and motorboats—helping you navigate choices in yacht charters, boat rent, and boating activities across marinas and destinations, from clearwater beaches to deep-water oceans, for fishing, yachting, or simply sun and sea.