Sailing and Business

Hi all,

The INSEAD Sailing Club is part of the wide range of the student-run clubs. Its mission is to foster team spirit, leadership and global networking through sailing. We accomplish this mission through several activities:

•         MBA regattas e.g. LBS regatta in Athens, Portofino Regatta in Italy
•         Leisure trips e.g. cruising trips in Thailand
•         "On-shore" events e.g. club get-togethers

The club welcomes the whole INSEAD community and no prior sailing experience is required to become a member. In fact, the handover of the current leadership team is due in a few days so we are currently looking for sailing enthusiasts to self-nominate for the club’s leadership team!

2016 has been a rich year in terms of organized events and successes. INSEAD participated in 3 regattas (namely IE games, GMT regatta in Athens and Rolex regatta in Portofino) competing against other top business schools from all over the world and managed to win 5 trophies in total! In addition, our proud alumni also participated in the ABCup regatta in St. Petersburg and came 2^nd and 3^rd! Apart from these events, INSEAD’s sailing club also helps students to organize leisure trips in exotic destinations in South East Asia. Going forward, the club’s goals are to further increase student participation, deepen communication with the global INSEAD sailing network and look for sponsors willing to cover part of the club’s expenses.

Sailing is a ton of fun and a great way to enjoy life. It can be as fast and exciting or as gentle and relaxing as you like. At the same time, it is a great way to improve and practice leadership and business skills. I often use sailing as a metaphor to business. Situational tactics during races or long term strategies are common both to sailing and business. “Re-charting” the course and navigating through stormy waters are terms that can be applied both in a business or sailing context. Lastly, sailing is all about teamwork as is business.

I have been honored and lucky to lead the club from Fonty for a year and my advice to all future INSEAD students is to join the INSEAD Sailing Club and actively participate in all its events. It’s going to be a time well spent!