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Sarah Ayton said she faces the toughest decision of her career in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympics - but will definitely compete on home waters in three years' time.

The 29-year-old (pictured centre) has been a busy girl on and off the water since claiming Olympic Yngling gold in Beijing last summer alongside Pippa Wilson (left) and Sarah Webb (right) - famously dubbed 'Three Blondes in a Boat'.

Ayton tied the knot with fellow British Olympic sailor Nick Dempsey in October last year before giving birth to their first child, Thomas, in June.

On the water things have not been so smooth and with the Yngling class dropped from the Olympic programme, Ayton, Wilson and Webb have been forced to seek pastures new.

Ayton initially joined forces with Wilson in the 470 class, but after opting to take a break from the water to look after her newborn, Wilson teamed up with Saskia Clark.

Only one British boat can compete in each class in 2012 and rather than battle it out with Wilson and Clark, Ayton said she may go down a different route altogether.

"I think the biggest opportunity is in the Match Racing class as it will be an Olympic event for the first time in 2012 and that is a big opportunity in itself," said Ayton.

"I would definitely like to go to 2012, but the biggest decision is what boat I am going to be sailing, either Match Racing or the 470.

"I need to work out where my skills lie and previously that has been in the fleet racing, but match racing would be a great new challenge.

"Having a baby has just brought a bit of reality to my life and makes you realise what is important.

"But I think Olympic sailing and Olympic dreams are something that is either inside you or not and that doesn't go away just because you have had a baby, it just makes you think about what is important."

The birth of her first child prevented Ayton from competitively taking to the water at all this year, including last week's Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta, in Weymouth.

Ayton was still in attendance at the London 2012 Olympic venue and she said she is making the most of her time off the water.

"It's a bit frustrating not to be sailing at the moment, but it is also nice to have time off," she added.

"An Olympic campaign lasts nearly four years, which is a long time to be training full on, so it has been nice to have a break, but I am looking forward to getting back out on the water."

More than the Games / Eurosport