The Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) and 1851 Trust are leading a new community programme to be delivered in Portsmouth this July, the programme aims to provide an inspiring and exciting learning experience alongside the highly anticipated Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth event.

The four-day activation will engage school children and local community groups in a wide-ranging programme focused on sailing and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sessions. The initiative is made possible as multiple organisations come together through a shared commitment from delivery partners and funders, which include the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) – the Official Community Impact Partner for Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, and Energise Me.

Taking place from 17th–20th July at an RYA Beach Club, the programme will offer a unique waterfront experience. Activities will include keelboat sailing, as well as wingsurfing taster sessions on the water – delivered by the ASF, alongside interactive, curriculum-linked STEM sessions on climate, engineering, and technology – delivered by the 1851 Trust. The sessions will feature coding sphero robotic balls around a race course, and a maths and physics session where young people will design, build and strength test model boats.  The two organisations have worked closely together over the last decade delivering the 1851 Trust Rebels programme where over 8000 young people from 12 locations across the UK took part in STEM and on water activity days.