AMERICA'S HIGHPERFORMANCE ACE

The 2022 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year has been plotting his ascent to the top of the new high-performance catamaran world with a focus on perfection. The journey continues.

- DAVE REED

RAVI PARENT is sailing at his own pace these days, and the pace is always quick...and calculated. He is as measured as one would expect of a Boston University cum laude mechanical engineer who's been sailing fast gear since before he had his driver's permit. His dedication to perfection propelled him to the top of the Worlds for both the A class and Formula 18 catamaran last year. With two world championship titles in hand, he's the first American sailor to win both in the same year, as well as the F18 Europeans. Cat sailors know that's a big deal.

The A and the 18 require serious talent, commitment and technical savvy. Parent has all three. Being shortlisted as a 2022 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year is a humbling honor, he says, when I catch him driving to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on a late January afternoon (He would later collect his Rolex Yachtmaster.) It's also a validation of the work he's put in and the close-knit cat community that's supported him along the way. On this particular windless afternoon, he's headed to where his sailing obsession took hold, for another day of boatwork on his latest challenge-the Moth.

What's on the work list?

Not much. I'm trying to design a travel bag for the wings so I can fly with them.

How new to the International Moth are you?

I got one at the beginning of last summer (2022). Right after the A Cat Worlds, I sold that boat and got this one because I wanted to take on a new adventure. I'm not done sailing the A Cat by any means, though.

How's the swimming been?