Before sailing, Oli suffered with a lack of self-worth and confidence. Oli felt like he couldn’t achieve anything. Now, Oli believes in himself and has confidence in his sailing ability. When he is on the water, Oli knows he is in control. Sailing gives Oli a sense of freedom which he doesn’t experience in other areas of his life. 

Oli is autistic and started his sailing journey by taking part in our Aiming High Open Day, funded by Children in Need. He has been a regular at the Centre ever since, participating in our weekly subsidised sessions. 

Aiming High is one of the many charitable programmes funded by the Andrew Simpson Foundation, enabling young people, from all walks of life, to get out on the water and experience the joys and challenges of sailing and watersports. Oli would not have been able to pursue his passion for sailing without the support of the Andrew Simpson Foundation. To find out more about the Andrew Simpson Foundation and how you can get involved, visit to