SARAH Ayton has scooped the female ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year award.
The double Olympic gold medallist and former Weymouth resident was honoured at a ceremony in Sanya, China, where the world's finest sailors' achievements were celebrated during the qualifying period from the end of September 2014 through to August 31, 2015.
The golden girl of British Olympic Sailing has starred in the Extreme Sailing Series, where she has shone throughout the 2015 series successfully guiding The Wave, Muscat to five victories from seven regattas.
As the only female crew member in the Extreme Sailing Series fleet the strong presence of the two-time Olympic gold medallists has been felt.
Her strategic ability has seen her rise to the top calling tactics on The Wave, Muscat.
Ayton won a gold medal in the Yngling sailing class in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, together with Shirley Robertson and Sarah Webb, and another gold medal in the Yngling sailing class in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, together with Pippa Wilson and Sarah Webb.
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