'Sailing is more than just a sport, it's a source of empowerment'

The oceans sustain life on our planet. As we observed World Ocean Day on June 8 to honour our connect with the oceans, Khaleej Times spoke to three women from three different corners of the world: Armenia-Lebanon, Romania, and Germany-Mexico, for whom sailing in Dubai’s welcoming waters is more than just a sport.

- Mymun Malik

For Christelle Bedrossian, a health coach/nutritionist and certified hypnotherapist, the journey to Dubai’s shores began with one of life’s most challenging storms. She moved to Dubai in 2020 along with her twins and a heavy heart, as she struggled to provide milk and medicines to her twins when Lebanon was experiencing a massive politico-economic crisis.

“The minute I stepped into Dubai, I just felt like this is home,” she said.

But it wasn’t until a few months ago that Christelle discovered her passion for the sport and it has become the cornerstone of her fitness regime. Christelle said: “I am someone who likes to challenge myself to try new things. Sailing creates a space that is safe, calm and serene. It’s a bit meditative for me.” The physical demands didn’t deter her - even when blisters kept her right hand out of commission for two weeks!