Laura Grondin and Taylor Canfield Selected as Finalists for the 2025 Rolex Sailing Honors

13 January 2026 - USA -  The International and US Melges 24 Classes extend their congratulations to Dark Energy Melges 24 owner-driver Laura Grondin and tactician Taylor Canfield for their contributions to excellence, leadership, and performance in the sport of sailing.

On January 12, US Sailing confirmed the finalists for the 2025 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards. The Class is thrilled to recognize two highly respected Melges 24 Class members among this distinguished group: Laura Grondin and Taylor Canfield.

Laura has been named a finalist for Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year following an outstanding 2025 season that included a J/70 World Championship title and a second-place finish at the Melges 24 World Championship. A former International Melges 24 Class Chair, Grondin is also one of the class’s most accomplished female owner-drivers, consistently demonstrating competitive excellence and leadership both on and off the water.

Taylor was also confirmed as a finalist for Rolex Yachtsman of the Year after another exceptional year at the highest level of competition. His 2025 accomplishments include World Championship titles in both the J/70 and M32 classes, along with a second-place finish at the Melges 24 World Championship. Canfield has called tactics for Grondin on multiple occasions, and their collaboration exemplifies the teamwork, precision, and strategic execution that define elite keelboat racing.

Being named a finalist for the Rolex Awards is one of the highest honors in American sailing, with recipients selected by a vote of past award winners and leading members of the sailing media. The 2025 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year will be announced at the New York Yacht Club Champions Dinner on February 12, 2026.

Congratulations again to Laura and Taylor on this well-deserved recognition!

Read full announcement

US Sailing 2025 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman finalists