The Andrew Simpson Foundation has come on board to support the Gosport Marine Festival, which takes place on 4 September.

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.

“We are delighted to be able to support the Gosport Marine Festival,” said 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 more than 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 are thrilled to welcome the Andrew Simpson Foundation on board,” said 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

Most activities will require pre-booking but stand-by entrants to each activity will be taken on the day in the case of no-shows.  The online booking system will open later this month on the Gosport Marine Festival event page: https://portsmouthharbourmarine.org.uk/events/gosport-marine-festival-2021/ 

 

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