THE Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre has received its first donation to help it launch safely into the seas.

Crewsaver, a manufacturing company specialising in marine safety equipment, has donated safety clothing and equipment for 100 sailors as well as 100 buoyancy aids and wetsuits to the centre.

The company, based in Hampshire, will continue to supply the centre with safety equipment over the next three years with the equipment suitable for both adults and children.

Richard Percy of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation said: “We are very grateful to Crewsaver for the massive contribution they are making to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre.

“Their donation of safety kit and clothing for all our students and staff will save us many thousands of pounds, enabling us to spend the public’s donations on other areas of our work to encourage more people to enjoy the water.”

The centre was set up in honour of former Dorset-based sailor Andrew Simpson, who died tragically in a training accident as he prepared for the Americas Cup in San Fransisco in 2013.

The centre aims to get more children interested in the sport and give them a stable and safe platform to get out on the water.

It was launched on May 9 by Simpson’s best friends and sailing partners Sir Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy at the centre’s base at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on Portland.

Crewsaver specialise in marine safety equipment and supplies the lifejackets worn by all 4,600 of the United Kingdom’s RNLI crew.

Ross Wilkinson, Crewsaver’s managing director said: “We are delighted to assist the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation to engage, encourage and support the next generation of sailors.

“We will be working closely with the ASSF team in the vital first three years of the sailing centre’s existence to make sure the students and instructors have all the kit they need.”