‘Sailing Means So Much to Me’
Among the rising stars of the UAE’s sailing community is 14-year-old Chloe Montanet, a passionate member of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) racing squad. Chloe, who has been racing for just two years, is already making a name for herself as one of the club’s youngest assistant instructors. “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,” she says. For Chloe, sailing is not just a sport; it’s a transformative experience that has enhanced her focus, confidence, and resilience. “Every race is different — you always have to adapt and think quickly,” she adds enthusiastically.
Chloe is particularly looking forward to the upcoming Kidzink Pearl Cup, viewing it as a fantastic opportunity to connect with sailors from around the world. “I can’t wait to see different sailing styles and learn from others,” she explains, expressing her eagerness to compete and refine her skills in such a significant event.
Reflecting on how she became interested in sailing, Chloe credits her parents for encouraging her to give it a try. Initially, she was reluctant, thinking it appeared dull compared to football. “But once I got on the water, I realized just how enjoyable it is,” she confesses. The thrill of navigating the wind and making quick decisions completely captured her interest. “Now, I genuinely love it,” she remarks.
Chloe began her sailing journey at the age of seven. What started as a simple activity quickly evolved into a passion for improvement. “The more I learned, the more I wanted to get better,” she shares. Driven by a desire to see just how far she can take her sailing journey, Chloe notes that each outing presents fresh learning opportunities.
Her training regimen includes about four sessions a week, totaling approximately 15 hours. Balancing this commitment with her schoolwork can be challenging, but Chloe has managed to establish a routine that works for her. “I try to complete my homework early or make use of any free time I have to keep up with my studies,” she explains. This effort has not only helped her academically but has also instilled valuable lessons in discipline and organization.
International Coaching Team
The Kidzink Pearl Cup will feature a robust international coaching team from GoldWinds Sailing Academy, which includes seasoned coaches like Albert Torres, Jose Manuel Ruiz Ibanez, Vasileia Karachaliou, Matias Adaminas, and Molly Hinsliff-Smith. Their collective expertise is set to enrich the training experiences of participants.
Charlotte Borghesi, Founder and General Manager of Kidzink, spoke passionately about the event, stating, “The Kidzink Pearl Cup embodies our core beliefs in curiosity, the joy of learning, and teamwork.” As the title sponsor and strategic partner, Kidzink is proud to support an event that celebrates both sport and personal development. Charlotte, a seasoned sailor herself, is keenly aware of how sailing fosters communication and collaborative skills among participants.
Bringing her extensive experience to the table, Charlotte has accomplished milestones in sailing, including becoming the first female helmswoman to win the SB20 World Championship in 2023 and securing victory as the SB20 Women’s World Sailing Champion in 2025. Her achievements on the water shape Kidzink’s mission to create environments that promote creativity and well-being among young individuals.
The Kidzink Pearl Cup will also include an onshore program of workshops and discussions aimed at exploring the relationship between sport and learning. These sessions, developed in collaboration with Kidzink’s research team, will draw on insights gathered from past events, such as the 29er Class European and World Championships, where Kidzink played a key role as a presenting partner. The data collected from these international youth sailing events will inform their upcoming publication, *Beyond the Box: How Neuroscience-Based Design Can Transform the Learning Environment*. This work is part of Kidzink’s initiative to innovate how and where learning takes place, influencing future generations.
