On the outside he may seem like an Aussie ‘water baby’ that spends his days chasing waves in Bondi beach – but on the inside Australian pro-sailor, Leigh McMillan, is a little Omani at heart.
Having sailed for the Sultanate on and off since 2006, McMillan is back in Sydney this week defending his Extreme 40’s Sailing title for the third consecutive year.
Leigh McMillan (centre) with Oman Sail’s Assim Abdullah Al Saqri and Tourism Oman Australia and New Zealand country manager, Mona Tannous
Competing aboard Oman’s winning vessel, The Wave Muscat, McMillan told KarryOn he feels privileged to represent the country, which he describes as so full of culture, kindness and fascinating attractions.
“Oman is a beautiful country, I’m lucky to be working for them and sailing for them. I get to go there and sail, train and compete.”
Leigh McMillan
With most of his time spent training in Musana – an Omani province that’s also the headquarters for sailing in the country – he said that one of his favourite things about the destination is the amount of support they have for the sailing sport.
Although it may not be as big as other water sports – like surfing – here in Australia, it’s a big hit in Oman despite only adopting the water activity and forming its own teams less than six years ago.
McMillan said its popularity is likely due to the country’s extensive maritime history.
In the city of Sur, dhow are built – vessels that were used for trading two centuries ago. Image: Greta Gabaglio/Shutterstock
In case you didn’t know, archaeological evidence found in early settlements prove Omanis have been engaged in fishing and coastal trading since before 3100BC.
Omani city, Sur, is also famously known as a major dhow-building town – making the same vessels the country used for trading over two centuries ago.
Another Oman favourite for the sports star is the people and their culture.
“Everyone is friendly everywhere you go. And the culture is amazing. It really is a beautiful country.”
Leigh McMillan
Weather permitting, McMillan and his team of four sailors will set sail around Sydney’s Harbour over the weekend for the grand final of the eighth Extreme 40’s Sailing Series.
Oman has two vessels competing in this year’s race – Oman Air and returning champion, The Wave Muscat. Image: Oman Tourism Instagram
KarryOn will be attending what was suppose to be the official launch of the event Down Under on Thursday, but the race was cancelled due to poor weather.
Organisers said Sydney was selected as one of two new destinations for the annual event because “there’s nothing more iconic than Sydney Harbour”.
For more information and images from the event over the weekend be sure to check out KarryOn’s social media pages, including our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
