How did you get into sailing?
I've always been interested in sailing, and I've been doing it since I was 10. It was not long after I started that I knew I wanted to be a professional. I then set my sights on being the best sailor I could possibly be. Sailing is a huge part of the UAE's heritage and I'm proud to represent my country – both at the Olympics and in two Volvo Ocean Race campaigns with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. The ADOR skipper Ian Walker approached me when he was putting together the first Volvo Ocean Race campaign. Back then I was a dinghy sailor with little ocean experience, but I jumped at the chance to race around the world on an Abu Dhabi-backed yacht. It was a big step for me to join a crew of experienced ocean racers, but I made sure I learnt how to do just about every role on the boat during that first race. I was the rookie, but now I can hold my own with the rest of the guys when it comes to trimming sails and steering Azzam.
What is it like at sea?
There is no such thing as an average day or night at sea. It can be very tough at times and you have to be prepared to deal with whatever the ocean weather throws at you. During the nine months of the race, the Volvo sailors face extremes of heat and cold, the frustration of flat calms and the danger of ocean storms.
What are your hopes for the sport of sailing in the UAE?
Sailing has the potential to be a huge sport in the UAE – we already have a good infrastructure of sailing schools and sailing clubs to give people access to the water. Hosting events like the highly successful VOR stopover in Abu Dhabi – where thousands upon thousands of people got a chance to see what sailing is all about – helps to spread the message, too. My biggest wish is that we are able to win the race for Abu Dhabi this time as I think that would give sailing a huge boost in the region. My advice for people who want to learn to sail is to just give it a try. Contact your nearest sailing school or club and tell them you want to get out on the water. I guarantee you will get a warm welcome.
atomlinson@thenational.ae
