The London Boat Show is pleased to announce that The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation has been appointed as the official charity of the 2014 event. Opened at ExCel London on Saturday, January 4, and running until Sunday, January 12, the 60th annual Show is hosting thousands of boats, brands, products, as well as suppliers.
London Boat Show 2014 - Photo credit to onEdition
The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation is a national charity that encourages young people to get into sailing. Andrew Simpson, gold and silver Olympic medallist and America’s Cup professional, tragically lost his life in a training accident in May 2013. Inspiring the next generation was something Andrew was extremely passionate about and so to honour his life and legacy Sir Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy OBE and Andrew’s wife Leah founded the Andrew Simpson sailing foundation.
The Foundation looks to support deserving children and young people from their first experiences on the water through a mentoring programme with some of the world’s best sailors. Through sailing experiences the charity will help to develop their life skills, and importantly it will assist the children into employment in the sailing community through apprenticeships with partners including sail makers, boat builders and other marine companies.
Murray Ellis, Managing Director of National Boat Shows commented: “We are proud to be partnering with The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation at the 2014 London Boat Show. Andrew was a huge supporter of the Boat Shows, frequently giving his time to support the industry and encourage boating participation. Together I hope we can raise the profile of boating and watersports in the UK and highlight the opportunities available to all Show visitors.
Sir Ben Ainslie, Trustee of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation comments: “The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation is very pleased to be partnering the London Boat Show. Together we share a common goal to inspire the next generation and enthuse passion of sailing and watersports. We hope all those who visit the show are inspired by Andrew Simpson and the work the Ambassadors are undertaking for the Foundation.”
In addition to receiving donations, the charity will have a stand at the London Boat Show, manned by a number of Olympic sailors and friends of Andrew. Head to stand E144 to learn more about the Foundation’s work.
