‘Sailing means a lot to me’
Also competing is 14-year-old Chloe Montanet, a dedicated DOSC racing squad member who represents the next wave of UAE-based youth talent. Chloe, who began racing two years ago and is now one of DOSC’s youngest assistant instructors, said, “Sailing means a lot to me because it constantly pushes me to improve and teaches me new skills every time I’m on the water. It’s built my focus, confidence, and resilience. I love how every race is different — you always have to adapt and think fast.”
She added, “I’m really excited for the Kidzink Pearl Cup. It’s such a great chance to meet sailors from around the world, see different styles, and learn from one another. I’m looking forward to competing, improving my skills, and being part of such a big event.”
Speaking about how she got into the sport, she said, “Honestly, it was my parents who encouraged me to try sailing. At first I wasn’t interested — I thought it looked boring compared to football. But once I got out on the water, I really enjoyed it. There’s something about being on your own, figuring out the wind, making quick decisions — it just hooked me. Now I actually love it.”
“I started when I was about seven. At first it was just an activity, but the more I learnt, the more I wanted to improve. Now my motivation comes from wanting to see how far I can go. Every time I sail, there’s something new to learn.”
“I train around four times a week, about 15 hours in total. Balancing it with school can be tricky, but I’ve built a good routine. I try to finish my homework early or use any free time so I don’t fall behind. It’s a lot to manage, but sailing has helped me become more disciplined and organised.”
International coaching team
Among the international coaching team leading the event’s training clinic with GoldWinds Sailing Academy are Albert Torres, Jose Manuel Ruiz Ibanez, Vasileia Karachaliou, Matias Adaminas and Molly Hinsliff-Smith.
Charlotte Borghesi, Founder and General Manager of Kidzink, said: “The Kidzink Pearl Cup represents so much of what we believe in, curiosity, fun in learning, teamwork. As title sponsor and strategic partner, we are proud to support an event that not only celebrates sport but also champions learning and growth in all its forms. As a sailor myself, I know how profoundly sailing can shape communications, and teamwork.”
Borghesi brings a unique perspective to the partnership. In addition to her role leading Kidzink, she is a world champion sailor, having made history in 2023 as the first female helmswoman to win the SB20 World Championship, followed by victory with her team as the SB20 Women’s World Sailing Champion in Singapore in 2025. Her experience on the water informs Kidzink’s broader mission to design spaces that foster creativity, well-being, and a sense of purpose in young people.
The Kidzink Pearl Cup’s onshore programme will feature workshops and discussions exploring the intersection of sport and learning, led in collaboration with Kidzink’s research team. The blueprint for these interactive sessions was first developed at the 29er Class European and World Championships, where Kidzink served as a presenting partner earlier this year. Insights and data gathered during those international youth sailing events, which attracted over 800 sailors from across the globe, have directly informed the company’s upcoming book, Beyond the Box: How neuroscience-based design can transform the learning environment, part of Kidzink’s ongoing mission to rethink how and where learning happens.
Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf.
A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer’s discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging.
Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.