The wind tugged at the sail, the boat glided across the water, and Davit Kavkasyan felt something shift—not just the boat slicing through Taihu Lake, but something deep within himself.
Growing up in Yerevan, Armenia, where sailing existed more in movies than in real life, Davit never imagined he’d find his true passion on the water.
“From the very first day I got on the boat,” he recalls, “I knew this was the sport I’d been searching for my entire life.”
A member of Duke Kunshan University’s Class of 2027, Davit seized an unexpected opportunity to join the sailing team. But beyond the thrill of the open water, he quickly learned that sailing demands more than enthusiasm. Competing in regattas for DKU isn’t just about steering the boat—it demands technical precision, rigorous training and unwavering commitment.
“Sailing isn’t for everyone,” Davit said. “We travel to Taihu Lake, set up the boat and spend hours on the water. It’s a full-day dedication. But I never regret it. The passion drives me.” He pauses, then adds with a grin, “Besides, I catch up on everything else on Sundays.”
While the physical demands are intense, the team’s spirit keeps Davit anchored. Challenges are inevitable—mistakes happen, weather shifts—but the team faces them together.
“Someone will make an error; that’s part of sailing,” he said. “But there’s no shouting, no blame. We focus on how to adjust and fill the gap. That’s our strength.”
That mindset has paid off. Although DKU’s sailing team isn’t yet varsity-level, Davit and his teammates have already made waves, triumphing over established teams like Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
“It felt incredible,” Davit said. “We were the underdogs—young blood beating a team with years of experience. That win proved what belief and hard work can achieve.”
But Davit’s passion doesn’t stop at personal victories. Working in DKU’s international admissions office, he shares the unique opportunities the university offers, often highlighting sailing as a standout experience.
“Not many universities offer sailing. It’s a strong point for DKU,” he said. “If we keep supporting the club, it can attract bright minds from around the world. All we need is consistent belief.”
Looking ahead, Davit dreams of more than just regatta trophies. He envisions bringing sailing to Armenia, introducing the sport to a country where it remains largely unknown.
“Sailing isn’t just a sport; it’s a way to connect with nature and people,” he said. “Imagine hosting a Chinese delegation in Armenia, sailing together—what a powerful cultural exchange that would be.”
Davit also blends his love for sailing with another passion: photography. Though he laughs about the time his camera fell into the water during practice (“I was more upset about the lost photos than the camera itself”), he remains undeterred. He dreams of creating a documentary that captures the essence of sailing—its beauty, its challenges, its stories.
As for advice to fellow DKU students? Davit keeps it simple: “Join the sailing club. It’s the most special, exciting sport you’ll ever try.”
