Ryan Breymaier, an American on Kairos

There’s always something to do. Spending most of his time aboard Veolia Environnement, Ryan Breymaier fusses over Bilou’s 60-footer as if it was his own baby. If there’s a knot to tie or a sail to hoist, never fear, Ryan’s your man. He’s not the kind to sit on his hands.

A belated passion

Born in Washington DC on July 26, 1975, becoming a professional sailor was an unlikely outcome for the young Ryan. The eldest of four boys, he was the only one to be bitten by the yachting bug. “My only seafaring experience as a kid was going fishing with my Dad. No one in the family was drawn to sailing. Still, they were always there to support in the things I did,” he explains.

While studying economics in college, he gained his first experience as a sailor in his free time. “I’d never gone sailing before that. I used to go out mainly during the weekends. It was only after graduation that I thought I’d like to make sailing my career,” he explains.

A Vendée Globe in view ?

A lot has happened since then. Having done a lot of racing in the United States, now Ryan is hoping to progress rapidly. “I’d like to crew for someone in the Volvo Race. I can see myself doing a round-the-world one of these days. If someone offers me a berth for the Vendée Globe, I’ll say Yes like a shot,” he says with a laugh.

His time with Kairos and with the benefit of Roland’s experience, he should be well on his way. “I knew he was a great sailor who’d been round the world, and who’s a really warm person. I’ve learned a huge amount from the two years I’ve just spent with Kairos.”

Ryan Breymaier’s a demon for work, and he’s determined to make a name for himself in the coming years. Let’s hope his dream comes true.

Steven Lambert