reading Archives - Andrew Simpson Centres

Looking back on the 2026 IAPS Regatta

The IAPS 2026 Sailing Regatta was once again held with us at ASC Portland, on the shores of WPNSA - for two days of exciting school racing. We welcomed 64 boats from 24 schools with 128 participants taking to the water. The under 11s had an exciting day of windy racing on the Wednesday. Despite the tricky conditions all the sailors did amazing, particularly as for some it was the windiest, they had ever sailed in. We were able to run three successful races, seeing some brilliant sailing and great sportsmanship from all the sailors. All the sailors showed incredible…

Henri-Lloyd supports The Andrew Simpson Foundation as Official Clothing Partner

Henri-Lloyd has become the Official Clothing Partner to The Andrew Simpson Foundation supporting its centres, yachting programmes and performance academy. The three-year partnership will see all the shore and water-based team at The Foundation equipped with technical marine apparel. The partnership reinforces Henri-Lloyd’s long-standing commitment to supporting grassroots sailing and those delivering instruction to the next generation of sailors. As well as ensuring those on the water have the highest level of comfort and protection from Henri-Lloyd’s technical marine apparel, Henri-Lloyd clothing branded with The Andrew Simpson Foundation logo will be worn when on shore, at events, and when representing…

Building Leadership with Senior Instructor Courses at ASC Portland

Our asc portland STories Building Leadership with Senior Instructor Courses at ASC Portland Last week saw another successful Senior Instructor course run at ASC Portland. Several of our amazing staff completed and passed the course and we can’t wait to see them continue to develop this season! A full Senior instructor course gives us chance to reflect on the benefits for people of all ages but particularly young people to pursue leadership opportunities in sailing. It is one of the few environments where leadership skills are taught accessibly and then practiced in a supported but challenging environment. Completing a Senior Instructor Course is a…

Surfers Against Sewage Visit ASC Portland

Our asc portland STories Surfers Against Sewage Visit ASC Portland As part of their recent Sustainability Series at ASC Portland, Wey Valley Academy had the incredible opportunity to learn all about pollution from the amazing team at Surfers Against Sewage. Wey Valley Academy have been taking part in the six-week ASC Sustainability Series that aims to give young people a toolkit of knowledge to help them make planet friendly choices. We focus on solutions and encourage participants to get creative in thinking of ways they can combat nature challenges. As part of this the students got to head out on the water and investigate water…

Building Skills, Confidence and Careers: ASC Portland’s Impactful Outreach Programme

Throughout November ASC Portland have hosted a new outreach project, working with individuals on Job Seekers Allowance. Over five weeks students have been working towards a variety of RYA qualifications including; First Aid, Powerboat Level 2 and Assistant Instructor. The programme is designed to help participants learn new skills outside a classroom setting, enabling them to develop their social skills and enjoy the outdoors in the cooler months. Projects like this illustrate the powerful role that sport and outdoor activity play in improving wellbeing. “(The course has helped) My determination to wake up each morning, each day is very different…

Celebrating Sam at the URBOND Portsmouth Youth Awards

Thursday, 25th September was a night of celebration and pride for the team at ASC Portsmouth, who joined local youth organisations, families, and community leaders at the URBOND Portsmouth Youth Awards held at the Kings Theatre. The evening was all about recognising the incredible achievements of young people across our city, with awards for leadership and community action to creative talent and personal achievement. Among those celebrated was Sam Hibbs, who took home the URBOND Award for ASF Young Person of the Year. The ASC Portsmouth team were thrilled to join Sam and his family as he received this well-earned…

The 180 Fitness Autumn Regatta at ASC Portland

This year's Autumn Regatta was sponsored by 180 Fitness. 180 is a family-run gym in Portland, much like ASC it was set up in memory of a close friend. Together, Cassie, Phil, Hana and Ryan have created a fitness hub which helps support local community groups such as Portland United Youth Football and provides a space for anyone to train, gain confidence and achieve their goals. Their commitment to the local community hasn’t gone unnoticed as they’ve been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 National Fitness Awards. This year's Autumn Regatta was hosted on October 1st and…

How Our Centres Marked Bart’s Bash 2025

Taking place over the weekend of the 13th and 14th of September, the 12th edition of Bart’s Bash was another fantastic occasion. Thousands of water lovers joined in across the globe, and whether they sailed, paddled, raced, fundraised, barbecued, or simply cheered from the shore, they were part of something truly powerful. We hope you all enjoyed the weekend as much as we did across our centres. The energy, smiles, and spirit of Bart’s Bash continue to inspire us all. ASC Birmingham & Bartley Sailing Club Birmingham played host to an action-packed celebration, with 28 boats racing, featuring both…

Summer Aiming High Sessions at ASC Portland

Our asc portland STories Summer Aiming High Sessions at ASC Portland Young people with SEND had the exciting opportunity to get involved in even more water sports this summer, with our Aiming High Summer Camp. Our Aiming High programme aims to break down barriers and allow young people with SEND to get out on the water in a way that suits them. We run sessions every Sunday morning where young people get involved in sailing, kayaking and SUP as well as building water confidence with games and beach trips. Throughout the year we offer 170 spaces to young people to…

Open Day @ ASC Reading

Family Fun Day, Water Activities, Games & More! 📅 Saturday 16th May | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 ASC Reading, Hangar Road, Reading In partnership with Burghfield Sailing Club, join our team to […]

Deaf Family Fun Day!

Deaf Family Fun Day! 📅 Saturday 13th September | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 ASC Reading, Hangar Road, Reading Come and join us at the Andrew Simpson Centre in Reading for a day […]

Looking Back at Our Record Breaking 2025 Centre Open Days

This year, over 1000 participants joined us to explore a variety of watersports and land-based activities. From celebrating long-standing traditions like the cardboard boat race in Portland to building exciting new partnerships such as Flow Together in Birmingham, our Open Days continue to grow as an exciting and inclusive introduction to watersports.

Bart’s Bash @ ASC Reading

Supporting HAF Across Our Centres in 2024

All of the not-for-profit Andrew Simpson Centres are proud to deliver Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions on behalf of local councils to enable children from low-income families the opportunity to experience different watersport sessions.

Racing the 11th Bart’s Bash at our Centres

2024 marked the 11th edition of the flagship fundraising race, Bart’s Bash – which saw thousands of sailors take part at different sailing clubs from across the globe.

ASC Reading gets volunteer led makeover

Andrew Simpson Centre Reading was very grateful to have a team of 31 volunteers come down to the centre to deliver a much-needed face lift last week, with painting and gardening completed across the site.

Best of luck to GBR sailors at World Deaf Sailing Championships

Everyone at ASC Reading and across the Andrew Simpson Group wishes Deaf Sailing UK the best of luck as they head out to Nida, Lithuania to represent GBR in the World Deaf Sailing Championships.

New sailors introduced to watersports at ASC Reading 2024 Open Day

In partnership with Burghfield Sailing Club, the 2024 Reading Open Day saw over 200 people through the doors