Our impact

From improved wellbeing and skills development to stronger, more inclusive communities, explore how we’re creating lasting change through sailing, water, and land-based activity.

Sailing & watersports transforms lives

At the Andrew Simpson Foundation, we believe in the transformational power that sailing and watersports can provide. Whether it’s building confidence, developing skills for work, or creating lasting connections in local communities, our programmes are about more than just sport, they’re about long lasting impact.

Through our national network of centres, delivery partners, and community collaborators, we work across four key pillars of change. Here’s how we’re making a difference.

Health & mental wellbeing

Sailing offers more than a day on the water, it provides space for reflection, movement, social connection, and personal growth. Our programmes are designed to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of participants of all ages and backgrounds.

Skills & employability

We create pathways into education, training, and employment, especially for those who need it most. From sailing certifications to hands-on apprenticeships, our programmes are equipping young people with the tools to succeed.

Community pride & inclusion

We are committed to inclusive programming that reaches into underserved communities and brings people together. Sailing is for everyone and our programmes reflect that.

Climate leadership

We believe in sustainability on and off the water. Our social value impact reporting ensures that we measure and reduce our footprint, while also supporting community-wide education around climate action. Sailing connects us to the planet, and we’re committed to protecting it for future generations.

2033 targets

We continue to seek further opportunities to grow and expand our charitable impact and we aim to support over 60,000 individuals each year across the UK to access the personal and community benefits that participation in sailing and watersports bring.

Provide more access and reach more communities

By expanding our national footprint, establishing new centres across the UK, creating more opportunities for young people and communities to experience the water, many for the first time

Remove barriers to participation

By building strong partnerships and delivering innovative outreach programmes that actively remove barriers, particularly in underserved and inland communities where participation is lowest

Increase diversity in
sailing & watersports

By ensuring our delivery reflects the diversity of the UK and prioritises inclusion, wellbeing, and long-term progression in everything we do.

Read our impact reports

Our Impact Report highlights the progress we’ve made across our four pillars: health & wellbeing, skills & employability, community pride & inclusion, and climate leadership. It includes key data, case studies, and insights into the difference we’re making with the support of our network and funders.

Community impact

More stories from our community

Over 10 years of positive impact

We believe that everyone should be able to access and participate in sailing and watersports, regardless of background or ability. Therefore, we work to remove any true or perceived barriers to enable and encourage all young people to participate in sailing and watersports.

Source: Sport England: Measuring the social & economical impact of sport in England, 2020

127,000

People have been brought onto the water, from introductory sailing and watersports to life changing career development, by the ASF Group.

45,000+

beneficiaries were supported by the Andrew Simpson Foundation and partners during 2024.

£17.5 million

Had been raised and reinvested into the sailing and watersports community by the Andrew Simpson Foundation as of the end of 2024.

The Foundation’s history

Founded in 2013 in memory of Olympic sailor Andrew “Bart” Simpson, the Andrew Simpson Foundation was created to transform lives through sailing. What began as a tribute has grown into a network of not-for-profit watersports centres across the UK and beyond, providing accessible opportunities for young people to gain confidence, skills, and connection through the water.

Latest updates

Collaborating to inspire young people in Portsmouth through SailGP community activation programme

18th July 2025

Alongside the 1851 Trust, we are leading a new community programme 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.

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Our centres launch new sustainability programme for schools and groups

16th July 2025

Our Andrew Simpson Centres are offering an exciting new Sustainability Programme for schools and groups. The programme is designed to help young people gain a greater understanding of the natural world and give them the skills and knowledge to be more environmentally aware.   

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We launch an ambitious community watersports collaboration at the Flow Together Festival in Birmingham

19th May 2025

Andrew Simpson Centre Birmingham was thrilled to welcome a record number of attendees to their Bartley Green centre on Saturday 17th May 2025 for the Flow Together Watersports Festival, a celebration of collaboration, community, and the transformative power of sport.

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