On the waters of Dianshan Lake in Shanghai's Qingpu district, Frenchman Benoit Rossignol steers his beloved J80 sailboat, Dolphin II, with the same passion he brought to Shanghai 25 years ago.

Growing up by the sea, Rossignol has always been drawn to the water. Trained as a veterinarian with an MBA in hand, he first came to China in 1995 as a World Bank executive.

But it was his love for sailing that truly shaped his path. After discovering Dianshan Lake on the map, he brought in one of the country's Red Dragon sailboats from Xiamen. Later, he introduced the now-classic J80 model to China's shores.

In 2000, Rossignol chose Shanghai over an overseas promotion, citing its dynamic business environment and ideal sailing conditions.

He founded a company — Shiyao Investment — in the city. It has become an influential M&A advisory firm for foreign companies navigating the Chinese market. He also serves as a special advisor to the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, strengthening Sino-French business ties.

As a founding member of the SBYC sailing club, now part of the Shanghai Yacht Club & Resort, Rossignol champions family sailing and youth maritime education.

His children have grown up on the water, embodying a spirit of adventure and resilience.

Today, Rossignol continues to share his love for sailing — both as a sport and as a metaphor for leadership.

"Sailing, like business, is all about timing and teamwork," he says. "Miss the wind, and you drift." For him, Shanghai has become more than a city — it's a lifelong voyage.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Sport