National boating business, boatfolk, unveiled the #boatgen Sailing Team in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation, at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show. The official launch of the team marks the next chapter of #boatgen, a not-for-profit sailing initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of boater, founded by the two organisations in 2021.
Launching at the boatfolk stand, E044 on Tuesday 17 September at 10:30 am, young sailors across the country are being invited to step into the world of competitive keelboat sailing as part of the #boatgen Sailing Team. This latest collaboration between boatfolk and the Andrew Simpson Foundation is aimed at making the sport more accessible to young people, who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
The #boatgen Sailing Team is formed of a pre-selected crew of young sailors, who have progressed through the #boatgen and Andrew Simpson Foundation pathways, delivered through the Andrew Simpson Centres. This team will compete in the Royal Southern Summer Series 4 race from 21 – 22 September 2024, kicking off a broader campaign throughout the Winter series, designed to raise awareness and inspire the next generation of sailors.
Central to the #boatgen Sailing Team is an SB20 keelboat, owned by amateur racer and boatfolk team member, Liam Pardy. The vessel, which has been renamed #boatgen, will take a crew of hand-picked young sailors through a year-long training and race schedule. Each year, a new team of ambitious young sailors will be offered the opportunity to represent #boatgen, participating in events including Cowes Week and the Royal Southern Yacht Club Summer Series, having come through the #boatgen pathway.
Dominic Zammit, Director at boatfolk, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch the #boatgen Sailing Team, which marks a significant step in our mission to make sailing accessible to all. By introducing a structured pathway into competitive racing, we are creating new opportunities for young sailors. The dedication of our partners, such as Andrew Simpson Foundation, and the generosity of those who have donated resources including the SB20 keelboat, are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing the impact this will have on the next generation of sailors and can’t wait to see the first #boatgen Sailing Team take to the water this Autumn.”
The youth sailors forming the inaugural #boatgen Sailing Team will receive top-tier coaching from representatives of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, along with James Harayda from the Gentoo Sailing team and lifelong sailor, Liam Pardy, from the boatfolk crew at Haslar Marina.
Richard Percy, CEO of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, says, “The launch of the #boatgen Sailing Team is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared vision of inclusivity and opportunity. At the Andrew Simpson Foundation, we are proud to partner with boatfolk to create a new pathway for young people to engage in the sport of sailing, regardless of their background or access to resources. The generous offer to share the SB20 keelboat, symbolises our joint commitment to nurturing talent and providing the training necessary to compete at the highest levels. We are eager to see the positive impact this program will have on youth sailors and the broader sailing community!”
James Harayda from the Gentoo Sailing Team, comments, “It’s a great privilege to be a mentor for the #boatgen Sailing Team and to play a part in making racing more accessible to young sailors who might not always get the best opportunities. By offering guidance, support, and exclusive training sessions, including the chance to get aboard my IMOCA, I hope to inspire and help the next generation of sailors reach their full potential.”
In order to create as many opportunities as possible, a nationwide recruitment campaign will launch in April 2025 with #boatgen days and Andrew Simpson Centre open days playing a crucial role in identifying potential talent from all corners of the country for the #boatgen Sailing Team. This will be an ongoing, annual cycle, ensuring continuous opportunities for young sailors to enter the racing scene.
