On Saturday May 9th the Andrew Simpson Sailing centre will be celebrating its first Birthday and is inviting the local community to take part in the celebration.
From 11:00 there will be opportunities to sail on the Olympic waters with free sailing tasters for ages 5+, have a go at climbing, a cardboard boat race taking place at 14:00, a host of other fun free activities for all ages and a visit from Weymouth and Portland’s Mayor Councillor Kate Wheller and her Consort Mr Michael Wheller.
The Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre is owned by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation and operates as a not-for-profit sailing centre at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
It also offers the charity the opportunity to develop specific sailing programmes in line with the Foundations objectives.
In its first 12 months the Centre has offered over 1500 subsidised places on its charitable programmes and this year is aiming to double that number.
The Centre also receives an annual grant from the Foundation allowing it to support those aged 5-24 years from schools and groups, to sail by removing any barriers to participation.
New Centre Manager, Alex Porter, who was appointed in February, said “there are some fantastic times ahead. I am really looking forward to working with the experienced and enthusiastic team here, running not only exciting new sailing courses but also the variety of charitable programmes including Bart’s Inspire programme, Sail for Life, Aiming High and the popular Rod Shipley ‘sail for a Fiver’ programme. I am particularly looking forward to meeting local people who may not have been to Centre yet. I am sure they will love what we have on offer.”
“We have also introduced youth sailing clubs which take place on Saturdays throughout the year. Bart’s Sailing Club (Saturday mornings) and Bart’s Racing Club (Saturday Afternoons) will be for young people to come along to the centre, to develop their sailing skills and make new friends.”
Image: Martin Allen