The Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre opens exactly a year after the Olympian died during training for the America’s Cup
A brand new sailing centre in Portland is being opened today in memory of sailor Andrew Simpson.
The Olympic gold medallist died a year ago today while training for the America’s Cup in San Francisco Bay.
The Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am, featuring some of the foundation’s trustees such as Sir Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy OBE.
Speaking ahead of today’s event, Ainslie said: “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 sailing centre will act as hub for all of the foundation’s activities as well as delivering a range of sailing courses for young people, community organisations and adults.
Andrew’s sister and foundation trustee Amanda Simpson, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation to engage with grass roots sailing in a place where Andrew spent much of his youth and adult life sailing.
“We look forward to working with local and national community to make this venture a huge success.”
To book a course or find out more about the centre’s activities, contact Warren Surtees via warren@andrewsimpsonsailing.org or 079532016281.
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