Sailing Center to open in memory of America’s Cup fatality

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (ASSF) will soon be opening the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre, at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) in Dorset, UK.

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation was set up in memory of Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson to inspire the next generation through sailing. Simpson, a gold and silver Olympic medallist, was tragically killed in a training accident with America’s Cup challenger Artemis Racing on San Francisco Bay in May 2013.

“Andrew was very passionate about encouraging people to make the best of the opportunities that they were given,” commented Iain Percy Trustee of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. “Through the Foundation’s activities we intend to provide opportunities to thousands of young people, and those who grasp it with both hands and show dedication, will be given significant support to reach their potential in the sport of sailing and the wider maritime industry through apprenticeships.”

Based in Andrew’s home county and at the London 2012 Olympic sailing venue, the world class Centre will open its doors in May 2014 and act as a hub for all ASSF’s activities; helping the Foundation to fulfil its charitable objectives.

Said Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation Trustee Sir Ben Ainslie, “Reflecting the Foundation’s objective to inspire the next generation through sailing, the Centre will be a place where we can inspire Andrew’s drive and determination through delivering everything from taster courses to longer term development and mentoring. It will offer schemes to provide opportunities for deserving young people, something that Andrew himself was always so passionate about.”

The RYA accredited Centre will deliver a range of sailing courses for young people, community organisations and adults; including programmes for schools, as well as club sailors. It will also work closely with the Chesil Trust and the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy to deliver the ‘Rod Shipley Sail for a Fiver’ scheme. Now in its 10th year, the scheme has enabled more than 12,000 Dorset children between the ages of 10 and 11 to experience sailing on the Olympic waters and is currently introducing 1,500 children a year to the sport.

“We are exceptionally pleased to be working with ASSF,” commented Peter Allam, Chief Executive of The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. “By inspiring people of all ages to take up sailing, and providing a mechanism through the sailing school to do so, the Foundation will make a significant contribution to the ongoing development of the Olympic & Paralympic sailing legacy here at the WPNSA.”

Amanda Simpson, Andrew’s sister and a Trustee of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, notes, “This is a fantastic opportunity for ASSF to engage with grass roots sailing in a place where Andrew spent much of his youth and adult sailing life. We look forward to working with local and national communities to make this venture a huge success.”

Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre
Osprey Quay, Portland DT5 1SA, United Kingdom
www.andrewsimpsonsailing.org/weymouth

Follow the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation
andrewsimpsonsailing.org
facebook.com/andrewsimpsonsailingfoundation
@andrewsimpsonsa
#sailonbart

Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation
Supporting the next generation was something Olympic champion Andrew Simpson was extremely passionate about. In Andrew’s absence the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation has been founded by Sir Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy OBE and Andrew’s wife Leah to honour Andrew’s life and legacy by encouraging youngsters into sailing and to enjoy the water as much as he did. For more information visit: andrewsimpsonsailing.org

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is a world class sailing venue and effectively promotes the sport of sailing to all levels of competence and ability, through courses, training and events, whilst supporting and working closely with the local community. The WPNSA was the venue for the sailing competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and Weymouth and Portland has been recognised as having some of the best boating waters on the planet. The Academy currently runs a number of high profile regattas throughout the year and boasts fantastic conference and event facilities. The WPNSA is committed to conserving the local environment winning the 2008 Sport Industry Award for Environmental Concern in Sport as well as being shortlisted for the 2010 Sport Industry Award for ‘Sport Venue of the Year’ and 2011 Sport Industry Award for Sport Participation Event of the Year. www.wpnsa.org.uk