President Rob Mitchell and Commodore Helen Martin were delighted to welcome Iain Percy to the sailing club for their 50th anniversary sailing awards dinner.
Iain is one of the top sailors in the world, double Olympic gold medallist and team manager for the Artemis America’s Cup team. He is also a founder and trustee of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, a charity set up in memory of Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, the Olympic sailor tragically killed in 2013 in an accident whilst training for the America’s Cup.
The Foundation raises money to support disadvantaged youngsters to take up water sports. Iain and Andrew had been friends since childhood, had won Olympic gold together in a 2-man race and Iain was part of the team sailing with Andrew when the tragic accident claimed his friend’s life. Chew Valley Sailing Club has supported the Andrew Simpson Foundation since its inception particularly the Barts Bash race, which began as a world record attempt for the largest global sailing event.
Introducing Iain Percy, Rob Mitchell said “The annual Barts Bash race has always been well supported by the club both in terms of numbers participating and in money raised for the charity, it is a wonderful worldwide celebration of sailing. We are proud and honoured that Iain has found time in his busy schedule to visit Chew to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary”.
The dinner was attended by founder members, new members, the young and young at heart. Iain gave a fascinating and entertaining talk tracing the early days of the America’s Cup through to the high tech present day, he answered questions and then presented the trophies.
In her opening remarks Commodore Helen Martin highlighted the very good relationship with Bristol Water over the club’s 50 years. “We are so pleased that the Director of Customer Relations, Ben Newby, is also able to join us in our celebrations”.
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