The Foundation

Absolutely everything we do is driven by our belief that all young people can excel and succeed in life and work.

Why we exist

Sailing and watersports provide a powerful mechanism to change the lives of young people and the benefits of time on the water should be accessible to everyone. We’re committed to removing barriers and developing and delivering programmes so that all young people and communities can benefit from the opportunities that we offer.

At the Andrew Simpson Foundation, our mission is clear:

To transform lives through sailing and watersports

Inspired by the legacy of Olympic gold medallist Andrew “Bart” Simpson, we believe that every young person, regardless of background, should have access to the life-changing benefits of being on the water. From building self-belief to unlocking potential, we use sailing as a powerful tool for education, wellbeing, and community connection.

Our approach

We don’t just deliver programmes, we design inclusive pathways to learning, opportunity, and long-term impact. Whether you’re a funder, youth worker, teacher, or family, we aim to be a trusted partner in change.

Led by evidence

We deliver evidence-led community action, rooted in youth development, health, and employability outcomes.

In partnership

Our collaborative programmes are partnership-driven, with schools, youth services, and other community organisations.

Across the UK

We have a national network of delivery centres and trusted collaborators to provide national, regional and hyper-local support.

Through every stage

We’re here to support the whole journey, with long-term commitment to participants, from first sail to first job and beyond.

Communities we support

We create equity in sailing and watersports by not only providing accessible clubs and courses to adults and young people of all abilities, but also by focusing support and programmes on the most underrepresented groups in the sport, including:

Individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds
People living with disabilities
Neurodivergent adults and young people
The LGBTQ+ community
Faith groups
Women and girls
Older adults
Those with barriers to access

Our funding model

As a registered charity that receives no government funding, the Andrew Simpson Foundation operates a sustainable circular funding model. Every pound raised supports increased access, improved impact, and expanded reach. We’re proud to work as one group, bringing together delivery centres, fundraising events, partner charities, and our central charity team under a shared mission.

Our legacy

The Andrew Simpson Foundation was founded to honour the legacy of Olympic champion sailor, Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE. Bart was a devoted husband and father, and a fiercely competitive sportsman who still had time to inspire everyone around him.

Reflecting on all that has been achieved by the ASF so far, we are proud to say that Bart’s legacy has, and will always, continue to sail on. Join us in celebrating Bart and the many great things that have been done in his name.

Our central team

Behind everything we do is a team of committed, passionate professionals, trustees, and ambassadors who believe in the power of watersports to transform lives. Our leadership includes Olympic athletes, watersports experts, education specialists, and community change-makers.

Find out more about the people who make us who we are.

Richard Percy
Chief Executive
Officer
Sally Turner
Chief Development Officer
Caroline Slocock
head of Philanthropy
Alex Porter
Operations manager
Hermione Garner
Operations manager
Ali Beesley
design & creative strategy
Josh Atherton
Development project manager
Savannah Parker-Mowbray
Digital Project Manager
Sam Weeks
Outreach & communications manager
Lorna Phipps
Finance Manager
Jacqui Greenhaf
Fundraising officer
Jacob Tyson
Pr & Social media coordinator
Tom Davenport
Community outreach & development
Lindsay Porter
Finance & Fundraising assistant
Meg Burkitt
Finance assistant

Our trustees

The Foundation is guided by an exceptional board of trustees who share deep personal connections to Bart, a profound love of sailing, and a commitment to youth development. Since inception, the Board has grown to include twelve trustees, many of whom bring their own deep roots in sailing or personal links to Andrew.

Their shared heritage, whether through personal connection to Bart or love of the sea, ensures the Board remains anchored in integrity, experience, and a heartfelt belief in the power of watersports to transform young lives.

Miles Bradbury FCA VR
Chair
John Derbyshire OBE
Trustee
Sir Ben Ainslie
Trustee
David Gratton FCA
Trustee
Nicholas Harrison
Trustee
Andrew Lawson
Trustee
Prakash (PK) Paran
Trustee
Iain Percy OBE
Trustee
Amanda Simpson
Trustee
Sophie Sheldon
Trustee
Leah Simpson
Trustee
David Tyler
Trustee

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.

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From inspiring stories and programme highlights to fundraising events, volunteering opportunities and news from our centres, our monthly newsletter brings you closer to the impact you’re helping to create.