Andrew Simpson Foundation onboard to support Gosport Marine Festival

Andrew Simpson Foundation - Gosport Marine Festival © Susannah Hart

Renowned sailing and watersports charity, the Andrew Simpson Foundation has come onboard to support the Gosport Marine Festival which takes place on Saturday 4th September 2021.

By providing four 18ft open keelboats, four canoes and four paddleboards, together with a RIB safety boat and instructor, the foundation will enable even more children and their families to get out on the water at the Gosport waterfront-based event.

"We're delighted to be able to support the Gosport Marine Festival," says Richard Percy, Andrew Simpson Foundation trustee. "The aims of this event align with our own organisational aims of empowering young people through the provision of sailing and watersports.

"Everything we do is driven by the belief that the challenges of sailing and being out on the water promote health and well-being and build essential personal skills.

"The Gosport Marine Festival is providing a multitude of opportunities for the young people of Gosport and the surrounding area to get out on the water, try something new and potentially change their lives. We're proud to be part of it."

There will be over 600 free on water sessions available at this one-day festival, run entirely by volunteers from the local community. The day will centre on Haslar Marina, in Trinity Church and on the surrounding green, in the Millenium Timespace and at the Cockle Pond.

"We're thrilled to welcome the Andrew Simpson Foundation onboard," says Barry Easton-Corke, Gosport Marine Festival chairman. "The invaluable support the organisation is giving will enable us to reach more people, provide more opportunities and positively impact more young lives."

The activities confirmed include:

• Sailing and kayaking in Haslar Marina for 12+ year olds
• Sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking for 6 - 11 year olds at the Cockle Pond
• Short voyages for disabled people aboard the Wet Wheels and Spirit of Scott Bader accessible boats
• Children's model yacht building
• Food and drink by Hampshire producers
• Live entertainment all day by local performers
• An Inspiration Zone, bringing together local marine companies offering careers advice to young people wanting to work in the marine industry

Organised by Portsmouth Harbour Marine in partnership with Gosport Borough Council, the event is also supported by boatfolk, the owners of Haslar Marina, Hampshire County Council, Wates Residential, MAA, British Marine Trades Association, Lee-on-the-Solent and Stokes Bay Sailing Clubs, Gosport Sea Cadets, Gosport Scouts, Victoria Quay, Regional City Airports (Solent Airport) and Endeavour Quay.