SSL Team USA enters the SSL Gold Cup Final Series with a powerful combination of sailing experience, championship-winning talent and youthful ambition. Led by legendary skipper Paul Cayard, the Golden Eagles are ready to challenge the world’s best nations and fight for the ultimate prize in Rio.
Few sailors can match the international career of Paul Cayard. With more than four decades in the sport, he has competed at the Olympic Games, in the America’s Cup and in offshore round-the-world racing. A seven-time America’s Cup competitor and two-time Olympian, Cayard has won world championships across seven different classes. In 1998, he became the first American skipper to win the Whitbread Round the World Race, adding another historic achievement to an already remarkable career. His success continued decades later: in 2025, he won the Star World Championship, and in 2026, he claimed the Etchells World Championship. These victories demonstrate that his competitive spirit remains as strong as ever.
But the Golden Eagles are about more than experience. Their roster also features a new generation of American sailors eager to make their mark on the international stage. James Golden brings an impressive record in competitive one-design sailing, including the 2026 J/70 National Championship and the 2023 Finn North American Championship. CJ Perez adds experience in high-performance sailing, having won the Waszp National Championship and earned silver with Team USA at the 2023 SailGP Grand Final. Lauren Elder brings versatility to the crew, with experience in M32 racing, kitesurfing and the 29er class. Together, these younger sailors add fresh energy and ambition to a team built on decades of experience.
The team’s identity reflects the spirit of its name. The Golden Eagles represent a nation with a deep maritime heritage and a long history of success in international sailing. Their motto captures the mindset they bring to competition: “An eagle earns its honor from the storms it endures.” For a team combining seasoned champions with rising talent, resilience and teamwork will be just as important as individual achievements.
At the inaugural SSL Gold Cup in Gran Canaria in 2023, the United States finished 21st overall. This time, the Golden Eagles qualified directly for the Quarterfinals, entering the competition ranked second in the SSL Nations Ranking. With a place among the leading nations secured, their focus now shifts to turning that strong starting position into a serious title challenge.
With Paul Cayard at the helm and a team built on both tradition and innovation, the Golden Eagles are ready to take flight in Rio. Their mission is clear: bring together experience, fresh talent and a shared determination to compete for gold.
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