KarryOn were lucky enough to chat to the Olympic gold medalist and recipient of the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards about her experience representing Oman and her love of the country.
Sarah Ayton, originally from the UK, was just six when she first started sailing.
Now she’s not only a mum, but an Olympic gold medalist, the only female competitor in the Extreme Sailing Series, and the recipient of the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards – the highest award a sailor can receive in recognition of his/her outstanding achievements by the world of sailing.
Sarah Ayton, crew member, The Wave, Muscat
Representing Oman on The Wave, Muscat, the 35-year-old is not only proud of her achievements, but of her role in promoting sailing to more women and children.
“I’m really proud to be representing Oman and I love what Oman Sails is all about. I’m really passionate to get more women and children into sailing. So it’s nice to be out here and to be a role model for them and hopefully inspire that audience to enjoy the sport that we love so much.”
Sarah Ayton, crew member, The Wave, Muscat
The team’s arrival in Sydney comes ahead of the final act of the Extreme Sailing Series, which Ayton says is a “big event” for them. “We’ve got to bring home the trophy,” she said.
Oman is currently an up-and-coming destination for Aussie travellers, with more and more Australians discovering its exquisite cuisine, ample outdoor adventure activities (camping, trekking or camel safari anyone?), as well as sailing.
But it’s the people of the Sultanate of Oman that’s the real draw card, according to Ayton:
“In my opinion we have wonderful sailing – that’s why I love going back there, the conditions are wonderful – but what I’ve really noticed is that the people are just really friendly, and that’s what makes it for me. We travel a lot on this tour, and I think Oman really stands out as one of those places where you’re going to have a nice time and you’re going to feel safe and people will go out of their way to make you feel welcome.”
Sarah Ayton, crew member, The Wave, Muscat
Ayton adds that scores of children and adults have been introduced to sailing over the last seven years in Oman, and the popularity of the sport is growing all the time.
Being the case that Oman has always been a nautical nation (its blessed with 3,000 km of coastline) with a proud naval history (Sinbad the Sailor was from Oman) it’s exciting that the sport is regaining its prominence within Omani culture.
