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Together we transform lives through sailing

Discover The Andrew Simpson Foundation

Donate to the Andrew Simpson Foundation

Every single penny raised will help more young people get out on the water. Thank you for helping us to provide opportunities and support young people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Our mission & ethos

Providing sailing for all through charitable activities

Founded in 2014, the Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) was inspired by Olympic Gold and Silver medalist Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE. Our mission is to transform lives through sailing.

Absolutely everything we do is driven by our belief that all young people can excel and succeed in life and work. We believe that the challenges of sailing and watersports do this by promoting health and wellbeing whilst building essential life skills. These skills then enable young people to progress through education and into work.

The Foundation’s history

A lasting legacy

Andrew Simpson MBE

Andrew Simpson MBE died too early at the age of 36, in an accident on board the Artemis AC72 yacht in San Francisco Bay. Andrew, better known as ‘Bart’ to many in the sailing world, was a fine, accomplished sailor, a loving family man and an inspiration to many. Sailing was his passion as well as his profession. Today, the Andrew Simpson Foundation honours his memory by opening up the world of sailing and watersports to people, particularly young people, from all walks of life, changing lives, creating career pathways and providing opportunities that last a lifetime.

Andrew’s ‘Bart’ Simpson’s story

Providing access for all

Access & participation

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.

Subsidised sailing programmes

Sailing programmes which enable young people to succeed and achieve their very best in an affordable and inclusive way.

Subsidised community clubs

Regular clubs which enable young people to feel part of their local watersports community and succeed and achieve their very best in an affordable and inclusive way.

Participation events

Bart’s Bash is the flagship annual event of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, inspired by Olympic Gold and Silver medalist Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE who passionately believed that everyone should have the chance to try sailing and enjoy the many benefits that it brings.

Excel & succeed in life and work

Careers & education

We believe that all young people have the ability to thrive in life and work given the right support and opportunities. Our charitable activities remove the financial barriers and support individuals in learning skills, gaining qualifications and building life-long careers.

Subsidised pathway programmes

We support young people across a range of water-based sports to help them succeed and achieve their very best in an affordable and inclusive way.

Volunteer instructor training

A subsidised training programme than invests in people’s futures, allowing them to train, gain qualifications and build a career, then pay it forward with volunteering.

Subsidised diploma qualification

Bespoke programmes to support individuals in progressing in their chosen sports and gaining recognised qualifications, regardless of background or financial limitations.

Transforming lives

Health & wellbeing

We believe that participating in sailing and watersports promotes positive health and well-being. Therefore, we have developed charitable programmes which focus on young people’s physical and mental health.

Subsidised wellbeing programmes

Sailing and watersports programmes suppporting young people with their mental health and providing them with the tools to live a healthy lifestyle.

World-leading research

We have built partnerships with some of the UK’s leading research universities to gain a deeper understanding of the real impact sailing and watersports has on young people’s lives.

Creating a global sailing community

International Activities

The Foundation undertakes a limited number of charitable activities either located outside of the United Kingdom or with international beneficiaries.

Making it all possible

How you can support the Foundation

Every single penny raised helps more young people get out on the water and experience the joys and challenges of sailing and watersports. Donate today and transform a young person’s life through sailing.

Making a donation

Every single penny raised helps more young people get out on the water and experience the joys and challenges of sailing and watersports. Donate today and transform a young person’s life through sailing. Find out more

Fundraising

Inspirational stories and exciting fundraising ideas to help you raise funds and support the Andrew Simpson Foundation. Find out more

Giving in memory

Give a gift to Andrew Simpson Foundation in memory of a loved one and help us to transform lives through sailing. Find out more

Leaving a gift in your will

Help Andrew’s legacy live on and leave a gift to The Andrew Simpson Foundation in your will. Find out more

Philanthropy

If you’re looking to give a large donation, our Team are here to help you make the biggest impact for The Andrew Simpson Foundation. Find out more

Volunteering

We are always looking for passionate and friendly volunteers to help us transform lives through sailing. Whether you are a keen sailor or want to support your local community, we need you! Find out more

Partnerships for businesses and organisations

By working with us as a partner, you will be helping thousands of young people get out on the water. We offer exciting and mutually beneficial partnerships with a lasting positive impact and outstanding opportunities.

Enquire about partnership opportunities

Transforming lives together

Your impact

We want to ensure that all young people are able to access sailing and watersports. Your generous support enables us to reach thousands of young people every year, helping them to gain accredited qualifications and develop life skills.

Getting more young people on the water

In 2023, your support enabled over 5,000 young people from challenging backgrounds to get out on the water.

Thousands of charitable sessions

During 2023, your generous support, donations and fundraising enabled us to host over 18,000 Charitable Sessions for young people.

Improved wellbeing

Young people’s mental wellbeing increased by 85% after attending one of sailing or watersports programmes

Our trustees, teams & advisors

The people that make us who we are

Meet the people who have helped make the Andrew Simpson Foundation the charity it is today.

Richard Percy

CEO

Sally Turner

Growth and Performance Manager

Ruth Brady

Fundraising Manager

Lorna Phipps

Finance Manager

Savannah Gordon

Digital Officer

Jacqui Greenhaf

Fundraising Officer

Lindsay Porter

Finance and Office Coordinator

Meg Burkitt

Finance Assistant

Building a connected community

Our partnerships

Our partners play a leading role in one or more of the Andrew Simpson Foundation’s key focus areas to enable us to better deliver our charitable activities and provide sailing and watersports to more communities and individuals.

Salesforce
Royal Yachting Association
World Sailing
Boatfolk
Tideway
Decathlon
Portsmouth City Council
Dorset Council
RNLI
Henri Lloyd
A-Plan Marine Insurance
Prince’s Trust
West Berkshire Council
Birmingham City Council
Birmingham Age UK
Swim England
Burghfield Sailing Club
Bartley Sailing Club
PGL
Neilson
Sea Cadets
Sea Scouts
British Universities Sailing Association
Project Seagrass
RS Sailing

Interested in becoming a partner?

By working with us as a partner, you will be helping thousands of young people get out on the water. We offer exciting and mutually beneficial partnerships with a lasting positive impact and outstanding opportunities.

Enquire about partnership opportunities