Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre officially launches

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre was today officially launched at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), with a poignant introduction by Andrew Simpson’s close friends and Olympic sailing partners, Sir Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy OBE.

Peter Allam, chief executive of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, sees the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre (ASSC) as a perfect fit alongside the other on site partners at WPNSA, delivering grass roots tuition right through too advanced race coaching for all age groups. The ASSC will also work with The Chesil Trust to deliver the ‘Rod Shipley Sail for a Fiver’ scheme that has introduced over 12,000 young people to sailing and through the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation will provide additional support to help young people who are passionate about sailing to reach their potential.

Peter Allam, chief executive of WPNSA, commented, “The Royal Yachting Association accredited centre will provide a focal point to remember Andrew Simpson’s outstanding achievements. Andrew was passionate about inspiring people of all ages to take up sailing and the ASSC represents a tremendous opportunity to help provide a pathway from beginner through to whatever level individuals may aspire to, from recreational sailor to Olympic hopeful”

Honouring a member of the Olympic sailing team is particularly significant for Peter having himself represented Great Britain twice at the Olympic Games, bringing home a Bronze medal in 1984. More recently, being the London 2012 Olympic Games Sailing Deputy Competition Manager and the Paralympic Games Sailing Competition Manager, Peter was present when Andrew won a second Olympic medal on home waters.

Sir Ben Ainslie, commented, “Today is a very poignant day, but also a really exciting one to be opening the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre. I would like to say a huge thanks to the trustees of the foundation, for all the efforts they have put in over the last 12 months, especially Leah and Iain for their vision and leadership to get us to this point; and all the volunteers that have helped us. We are starting our activity, including subsidising sailing sessions for children, on a local level, but want to partner with clubs from around the country with similar objectives; and ultimately do that on a global scale. It’s fantastic to see what has been achieved in such a short space of time; and I’m sure the great man would be very proud.” 

For more information please visit Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre

Superyacht News
March 28, 2024
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review

In the realm of maritime luxury, the quest to offer yacht charter guests the perfect night's sleep has become an art form, one which luxury bed and linen supplier, CC Design, has fully committed to.

By Yachting Pages
March 15, 2023
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review

A jacket completes any crew member's uniform so it's an important garment to get right. In this Tried & Tested, Sea Design pits eight popular jackets against one another to determine which one is best for superyacht crew in 2023.

By Nathan Bees
April 19, 2023
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review

iAQUA creates high-performance, technologically advanced underwater scooters. In this Tried & Tested, a team of experienced testers have rated and reviewed the AquaDart Pro and AquaDart Nano series to reveal the stand-out iAQUA sea scooter.

By Holly Sanderson
Singapore Yachting Festival and ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference to proceed in April

Singapore Yachting Festival returns for its 2nd event from 25th to 28th April 2024! This years event will showcase an ex...

By Jody Paisey
March 27, 2024
Singapore Yachting Festival and ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference to proceed in April
MB92 Group launches new client portal “The Bridge by MB92”

MB92 Group, a leading name in superyacht refit and repair with shipyards in Barcelona and La Ciotat, has introduced "The...

By Holly Sanderson
March 27, 2024
MB92 Group launches new client portal “The Bridge by MB92”

Finished reading? Now find your perfect supplier.

Search our industry-leading directory for over 20,000 superyacht suppliers, providers and marinas.

Search now