Memories of the One Ton Cup – Paul Cayard

by Louay Habib on 13 Dec 2016 Paul Cayard, is one of the very few sailors who have competed at the top level in the three diverse disciplines within the sport of sailing: A seven time world champion and seven time America’s Cup competitor.

The Californian has raced around the world twice, becoming the first American to win the Whitbread Round the World Race, and was skipper of Pirates of the Caribbean, coming second in the Volvo Ocean Race. Paul is a two time Olympian in one design classes and also one of the sport’s pioneers in marketing and the management of sailing teams.
Cayard’s accolades include induction to the US Sailing Hall of Fame and Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.

Paul Cayard is fascinated by the FAST40+ Class, especially it's revival of the One Ton Cup, which he won as Tactician on Brava in 1989. Racing at the Star Sailors League Finals in Nassau Bahamas, in December 2016. Paul spoke about his fond memories for the One Ton Cup.

“In 1989, the One Ton Cup was held in Naples, Italy and we raced in fractional rigged forty-footers. Brava was a Bruce Farr design, built by Cookson. We didn't win a single race but won the regatta on the very last day. Francesco de Angelis was the skipper and Pasquale Landolfi the owner, they are both from Naples, so it was a big deal to win there.”

Paul Cayard believes that the FAST40+ Class rules on professional sailing is a good one: “The FAST40+ Class looks impressive, close and exciting racing in boats that plane are a lot of fun. The 50% amateur rule is a good idea that works well for the RC44 Class. I was recently involved with a TP52 team but unfortunately the owner just stopped, spending $20,000 a day just on salary is a lot of money.”

It has been a long time since Paul Cayard has raced in The Solent: “Probably the last time I raced in the Solent was the 1997 Fastnet Race with EF Language. Before that would have been when we won the Admiral's Cup in 1995 with Brava. We did sea trial with Pirates of the Caribbean there, and in 2005 the Volvo went to Portsmouth. I would love to get back in The Solent. '

The whole sport has changed so much over the 40 years that I've been involved but back in the day it was the America's Cup, Admiral's Cup and the Kenwood Cup and a lot of those things I did when I was young don't exist anymore. Back in the day, people didn't have cell phones, so people just took the time to go and enjoy the sport. For sure I'd love to come and do the One Ton Cup in the FAST40+ Class. In 1989, we happened to win it on my 30th birthday, so we had quite a party in the castle in Naples. I have great memories racing for that trophy.”

The One Ton is steeped in history and reputation in the world of yacht racing. Created by the Cercle de la Voile de Paris (CVP – Paris Yacht Club) back in 1899. The FAST40+ Class will be racing for the prestigous trophy for the second year in succession. The Royal Yacht Squadron will host the next edition, from 21-24 September 2017, which will be part of the FAST40+ Race Circuit.