Paul Cayard, a legend whose reputation extends well beyond the sailing world, needs no introduction. An Honorary Member of the YCCS, a close friend of Leonardo Ferragamo and a Rolex testimonee, we had the opportunity to catch up with him in Piazza Azzurra just before he boarded the Swan 82 Kallima Randstad Sailing Team, which he helmed at the 22nd Rolex Swan Cup.

Paul, how many years have you been coming here to race?
Paul: Forty years, I came for the first time the year of the first Rolex Swan Cup, in 1984 for the Sardinia Cup and straight after for the 12 Metre Worlds organised here in Porto Cervo by the YCCS, prompted by Azzurra's great debut in the America's Cup. I was with Buddy Melges aboard a boat chartered by the Americans, France 3. Those were my beginnings because, like Azzurra, I did my first America's Cup in Newport in ‘83.

What, if anything, has changed in the regattas taking place in Porto Cervo today compared to 40 years ago?  
Paul: I'll say the heart is still the same. There are always good conditions, the sea is incredible, the YCCS organisation is always top notch professionally and there are so many boats. Here at the Rolex Swan Cup there are more than 100 boats, and for me to see so many competitors at a regatta is impressive, it’s not everywhere in the world you have regattas with 100 boats. So it’s particularly nice. And for me, being in Italy is always something special.  

Tell us about taking part in this 22nd edition of the Rolex Swan Cup.
Paul: I'm here aboard the Swan 82 Kallima - Randstad Sailing Team, with Federico Michetti, head of Nautor Swan sports activities and the sponsor Randstad, who obviously have a great passion for sailing and for Swans. I am also pleased to be with Tommaso Chieffi who is a great friend from the Moro di Venezia days, an America's Cup campaign we did together. We are here to race well with the utmost commitment, but to have fun as well. Leonardo Ferragamo is a great friend, in my opinion he has done an impressive job in terms of the evolution of the brand, while always keeping in mind the tradition and soul of the Swan: construction quality, safety, performance, all things that have remained unchanged over time, I am happy to be here with Leonardo.  
I would also like to mention the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's partnership with Rolex, which began precisely 40 years ago with the Rolex Swan Cup. A partnership that has lasted for such a long time is important, because you don’t find sponsors like these in all sports, who are actually much more: they show the same passion for what we do and having such a long relationship brings added value. So I thank Rolex, for whom I am honoured to be a testimonee, and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for their contribution to the continued success of this regatta.