Emirates Man
Wind Rises brings a newfound approach to exploring the city.
Here, founder and CEO Max Pinigin shares with how his unwavering love of the sport led him to set up a yachting community in Dubai.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
My morning routine typically begins around 9-10am, with a swift response to work emails followed by catching up on the latest news. Only after that do I indulge in a refreshing shower and a hearty breakfast.
Talk us through your career journey. How did your sailing passion begin?
My passion for sailing unexpectedly ignited during a university camping trip. One of my friends invited me to join them on a boat, and despite my lack of prior experience, I eagerly accepted the invitation. Initially bewildered by the intricacies of sailing, I soon found myself captivated by the experience. Obtaining my licence swiftly, I embraced the role of assistant captain, immersing myself in the mechanics of the vessel. The allure of sailing as a unique recreational pursuit dawned upon me, igniting a desire to share this newfound joy with others.
Wind Rises offers a unique outdoor experience with its offerings. Tell us more about the concept.
Delve deeper into the concept, and you’ll find our unwavering commitment to promoting sailing in Russia and beyond for over 15 years. Sailing offers a myriad of experiences, from forging new connections to unwinding amidst the serene waters, engaging in physical activity, and simply enjoying life to the fullest.
For first timers, what does that experience look like? And does it require an extraordinary level of fitness?
No physical skills are necessary to embark on this adventure. Regardless of your sailing expertise, all you need are gloves, comfortable footwear, and sunscreen. Our instructors will guide you through the rest, with gloves readily available at our facility.
What are the benefits and skill set you acquire with sailing?
Sailing fosters self-discipline and emotional resilience, essential traits for navigating through challenging situations with composure and decisiveness. Moreover, it emphasises teamwork, as every voyage is a collaborative effort where crew members collectively steer the vessel towards its destination.
Max Pinigin, Founder and CEO of Wind Rises
It’s the first of its kind in Dubai. How did you achieve setting the business up in such a location?
Venturing into a new market was a daunting yet exhilarating endeavour. While contemplating locations like Istanbul and Barcelona, we ultimately set our sights on Dubai. Though the journey proved to be more arduous and resource-intensive than anticipated, the experience has been immensely rewarding. As we witness our vision taking shape and attracting diverse individuals, we revel in the journey’s progress.
“Our mission is deeply rooted in inclusivity and accessibility. We strive to demystify yachting and sailing, making it accessible to individuals from all walks of life”
Were there challenges in setting this up and how did you overcome it?
Our aspirations encountered unforeseen delays during the company registration, account setup, and boat procurement stages. Additionally, the endeavour demanded a greater financial investment than initially projected.
Sailing is perceived as a sport for the affluent and Wind Rises enables everyone an opportunity to experience it with its affordable pricing. Was this the plan from the outset?
Our mission is deeply rooted in inclusivity and accessibility. We strive to demystify yachting and sailing, making it accessible to individuals from all walks of life. Rejecting the elitist narrative, we celebrate sailing as a vibrant community, enriching lives through shared experiences on the open water.
Throughout your career, what has been the most remarkable sailing memory?
Among my most cherished memories is navigating a sizable catamaran with two companions and weathering a storm in Cartagena.
This is The Summer Escape Issue – where will you be escaping to this summer?
This summer, my wanderlust beckons me to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kamchatka and Japan, envisioning encounters with unparalleled natural beauty.
