Sailing is like a form of meditation for me – you forget everything, your mind is focused solely on working in unison with the team to achieve a common goal," shares Paulius Žygas, Project Manager at AB Kauno grūdai, who rediscovered sailing a few years ago and has wholeheartedly embraced this new passion.
Žygas admits he wasn't one of those kids who grew up with a love for sailing. In fact, his parents, especially, have always been somewhat apprehensive about this sport. "My parents always shielded me from riskier sports, so my first encounter with competitive sailing came relatively late, about 12 years ago. However, I've only been actively sailing for the past two years. A colleague introduced me to the sport and encouraged me to take sailing courses with Rimtautas Rimšas, a well-known figure in the sailing community. There, I gained both theoretical and practical knowledge, earning my inland waters sailing yacht skipper's license. I immersed myself in sailor etiquette, customs, rituals, and traditions. But life's events and a growing family pulled me in other directions, and I took a break from active sailing. A few years ago, with my children growing up, I felt ready to return to this hobby. Although my family might not always be overjoyed, I'm grateful for their support – this sport undeniably consumes most of my free time during the warmer months. Every other weekend is dedicated to two-day regattas, and I train at least twice a week before competitions, weather permitting. We're at the mercy of the elements, constantly striving to work with nature to achieve top results," he says with a smile.
Paulius also talks about the upcoming grand sailing celebration, the 70th anniversary of the "Kuršių marių" regatta, starting on July 27th. The event will feature stages in the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, with both navigational and upwind/downwind races.
"Our crew, 'Presto', is relatively young – we formed last year. After some training and trials, I joined the team, which consists of 10 members with varying levels of experience. Depending on the wind conditions, 4-5 crew members sail during competitions," explains the AB Kauno grūdai project manager. "Once the team was assembled, we started searching for sponsors. I'm delighted that my employer, Kauno grūdai, enthusiastically agreed to support our team. Sails and rigging are essential for competing with other RS 280 boats, but they require continuous investment, making sponsor support crucial for our team."
Žygas emphasizes that each crew member has a specific role on the boat, with the helmsman taking charge. "Currently, I can handle four positions: first trimmer, second trimmer, bowman, or pitman – everything except helmsman. I usually work as the second trimmer, responsible for assisting with sail adjustments during upwind maneuvers and deploying the gennaker on downwind courses. The helmsman is the captain, but they rely on accurate information from the crew to make decisions. Effective communication and precision are paramount in this sport. Teamwork is essential; one mistake can create extra work for everyone. Therefore, listening and speaking clearly are crucial," shares Paulius.
Sailing and Professional Life: A Perfect Match
As the project manager at one of Lithuania's largest food and feed production companies, AB Kauno grūdai, Paulius sees parallels between teamwork on the water and his professional life.
"It's amazing how similar teamwork is on the boat and in my daily work. The only difference is that everyone is safe at Kauno grūdai, unlike on the boat," Paulius jokes. "However, poor communication or role performance can lead to significant project delays and jeopardize successful implementation. I'm currently responsible for a crucial phase of the company's expansion – building and launching a new breadcrumbs factory. Every day brings new challenges, and I need to stay on top of everything, anticipate potential bottlenecks, manage information and workflow, and ensure the team fulfills their tasks on time. It's like sailing, sometimes with the wind at our backs, other times against it."
Reflecting on his career path, Paulius mentions a similar trajectory to his sailing journey: returning to the company after a brief absence. "I worked at Kauno grūdai from 2015, starting as a packaging technologist, primarily focused on new equipment and solutions. Later, I took on project management roles, and my career steadily progressed. Then, like many people, I felt the urge to try something different, to experience an international company. I accepted an offer and gained valuable experience. I appreciate all my experiences, and I believe it's beneficial to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. I maintained connections with my colleagues at Kauno grūdai, so I never felt completely disconnected from the company. Eventually, I received an offer to return and take on an exciting project, which I gladly accepted. The company had new owners and underwent positive changes. I found a more optimistic, modern, and ambitious organization with a clear vision for the future," says Paulius Žygas.
When asked about his future plans and ambitions, Paulius is straightforward: "In sailing, like all athletes, we aim to be the best. Professionally, I want to successfully complete this challenging project, which is what drives me forward. I believe my ability to handle risk benefits me both in my career and sailing. I'm also grateful for what I have and want to remind others that we spend eight hours a day at work, so it's important to build positive relationships with colleagues and strive for job satisfaction."
