Collaborating to Inspire Young People in Portsmouth Through SailGP Community Activation Programme

by Jacob Tyson 8 Jul 16:11 BST 17-20 July 2025

The Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) and 1851 Trust are leading a new community programme to be delivered in Portsmouth this July, the programme aims to provide an inspiring and exciting learning experience alongside the highly anticipated?Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth event.

The four-day activation will engage school children and local community groups in a wide-ranging programme focused on sailing and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sessions. The initiative is made possible as multiple organisations come together through a shared commitment from delivery partners and funders, which include the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) - the Official Community Impact Partner for Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, and Energise Me.

Taking place from 17th-20th July at an RYA Beach Club, the programme will offer a unique waterfront experience. Activities will include keelboat sailing, as well as wingsurfing taster sessions on the water - delivered by the ASF, alongside interactive, curriculum-linked STEM sessions on climate, engineering, and technology - delivered by the 1851 Trust. The sessions will feature coding sphero robotic balls around a race course, and a maths and physics session where young people will design, build and strength test model boats. The two organisations have worked closely together over the last decade delivering the 1851 Trust Rebels programme where over 8000 young people from 12 locations across the UK took part in STEM and on water activity days.

"The Andrew Simpson Foundation strongly believes partnership working significantly expands and diversifies opportunities in and around the water for young people.

"We are looking forward on drawing upon the excitement that the SailGP event will bring to the area, to provide access to young people to explore new activities they may otherwise not have the chance to partake in." - Josh Atherton, ASF Development Project Manager

As a not-for-profit organisation, the ASF works to remove any true or perceived barriers to enable and encourage all young people to participate in sailing and watersports.

The community activation programme builds on the success of the RYA's Formula Kite European's social impact initiative, delivered by ASF, elevating engagement through STEM Crew, the 1851 Trust's free digital platform used by more than 40% of UK secondary schools. Through sports inspired STEM resources, it connects young people to real-world science and sustainability in a way that is both accessible and relevant.

"At the 1851 Trust we understand the power of sport to inspire and empower young people, transforming how they connect with the world and see their future within it.

"We are excited to partner with the ASF and reignite the on-water programme that connects so well to our hands on STEM education sessions, these partnerships are crucial to support young people in deprived areas with barriers to education and opportunity.

"Our work is driven by belief in young people's potential, through our free to access education programme STEM crew we help teachers unlock potential, spark ambition, and create opportunities to inspire futures for young people in STEM, Green and Maritime careers." - Jo Grindley, CEO 1851 Trust

The first two days of the programme (17-18 July) will welcome schools from across Portsmouth, building on the momentum of the Hampshire School Games' STEM and sustainability challenges. The top-performing schools will be invited to take part in practical, hands-on activities that bring classroom learning to life.

Over the SailGP race weekend (19-20 July), the focus shifts to the wider community, with sessions for local organisations including Urbond, Pompey in the Community, the Royal Navy, Motiv8, EnableAbility, Portsmouth Young Carers, and the Parenting Network. A walk-in STEM zone will also be available, offering engaging resources for families and visitors.

"We're proud to be the Official Community Impact Partner for the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, joining forces with the Andrew Simpson Foundation to help more people connect with the water. The RYA Beach Club is a brilliant way to get local young people involved, and with support from our OnBoard resources, we're showing that sailing is for everyone — it's fun, inclusive, and a great way to build confidence and learn new skills.

"Collaboration creates stronger, longer-lasting impact, and we're excited to keep growing these partnerships to help power up Portsmouth and bring lasting benefits to the whole community."- Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport Development

"Energise Me are delighted to be part of such an exciting opportunity to connect local schools and community organisations. Portsmouth's coastline offers a wealth of opportunities to be active. By partnering with the RYA, Andrew Simpson Foundation and 1851 Trust we hope to increase access to and inspire lifelong participation and engagement with these activities." - Sharon Roberston, Head of Children and Young people, Energise Me

By working together, the programme partners aim to provide fun, meaningful opportunities for young people to try something new and learn in a different environment. It's a chance to inspire them through sport alongside the excitement of SailGP.