How Ayme Sinclair is expanding access and diversity in the world of sailing

July 04, 2026

Sailing has long carried a reputation for exclusivity, shaped by geography, tradition, and access to resources. Ayme Sinclair is challenging that perception by creating pathways that open the sport to people from diverse backgrounds.

She discovered sailing later in life
She discovered sailing later in life

At a time when she needed direction and purpose

Ayme Sinclair is redefining who belongs in sailing
Ayme Sinclair is redefining who belongs in sailing

Her journey is about opening the water to everyone

What started as a personal escape
What started as a personal escape

Quickly became a source of strength and stability

With her team Sweet Caroline, she found community
With her team Sweet Caroline, she found community

A diverse crew united by shared ambition

But at competitions, the difference stood out
But at competitions, the difference stood out

They were often the only team that looked like them

That experience sparked a bigger mission
That experience sparked a bigger mission

To make sailing more inclusive and accessible

Through Sailing Noire, she created new opportunities
Through Sailing Noire, she created new opportunities

Inviting others to step into a sport long seen as exclusive

Her work expanded beyond local waters
Her work expanded beyond local waters

Reaching communities across different countries

In Kenya, she helped form an all-women’s team
In Kenya, she helped form an all-women’s team

Many are stepping onto a boat for the first time

The impact reached far beyond sport
The impact reached far beyond sport

Changing perceptions of who gets to belong