A YOUTH sailing charity is to be set up after the funeral of Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson.

Figures from the world of sailing, dignitaries and wellwishers will bid farewell to the tragic yachtsman, known as Bart, next Friday.

There will be a service at Sherborne Abbey at 1pm for the 36-year-old followed by a celebration of his life at the town’s castle.

Guests have been asked to take photos for a memory wall but can also make donations for a youth sailing charity to be set up in the Olympic champion’s memory.

The congregation will include John Tweed, who is chief executive of the sailing academy.

Fellow Olympic sailors are also expected attend.

Mr Tweed said: “I will be attending to represent the sailing academy.

“We are looking through our image banks and we will see what we can contribute.”

He added: “There is still a great sense of sadness really.

“It is a terrible tragedy.”

He added: “It is pleasing to see that Andrew’s memory will be kept alive by a charity to encourage young people to go sailing.”

Mr Tweed said that the sailing academy would be happy to become involved with the charity if the trustees wanted it to.

Many Olympians are competing at a regatta in Holland but are expected to attend.

Mr Tweed said: “I’m sure an awful lot of people will be there.

“He was a popular person and a lot of people will want to pay their respects to him.”

Mr Simpson left a wife and two children.

The 36-year-old died when his catamaran overturned during training for the America’s Cup in San Francisco Bay on May 9.

He was one of 11 people onboard the Artemis Racing AC72 catamaran when he became trapped underneath.

Mr Simpson won gold at the Beijing Games in 2008 and silver at the London 2012 races held off Weymouth and Portland with partner and best friend Iain Percy.

The Royal Yachting Association announced the funeral arrangements but a Facebook page has also been set up under Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson Memorial Service.

Portland Town Council mayor Les Ames said: “My thoughts are with the family at this time and I feel great sympathy.”

Coun Ray Banham, who is mayor of Weymouth and Portland, added: “I have sent our condolences on behalf of the citizens of the borough.

“I am sure it will be absolutely packed, which is only right.”

Family flowers only are requested for the funeral.

Donations are instead welcomed towards a sailing charity to benefit children which will be set up in Mr Simpson’s memory.

Cheques in his memory should be made payable to ‘Peter Jackson Funeral Services Charity’ and sent to Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons Bungalow, High Street, Henstridge, Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0RB.

Donors are asked to write ‘Simpson’ on the reverse of the cheque or enclose a covering note. Alternatively, donations can be made via bank transfer to: Lloyds TSB Bank, Sort 30-90-92, Account No 00965801, Account Name Peter Jackson Funeral Services Charity, Swift/BIC: LOYDGB21343, IBAN: GB82 LOYD 3090 9200 9658 01 and reference transfers with the word ‘Simpson’.