DORSET youngsters are set to benefit from a star-studded charity sailing action.

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, based at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, will be the beneficiary of a special charity event.

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (ASSF) is inspired by the memory of Olympic Gold and Silver medallist Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE, a man who was passionate about encouraging and helping others fulfil their aims. In following Bart’s values and goals the ASSF honour him by helping to motivate the next generation.

On Thursday, July 21, ahead of the America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth, all six America’s Cup teams will be holding a Pro-Am event on the Solent in aid of the charity.

Twelve lucky individuals will get the chance to sail with some of the world’s top athletes on board one of the foiling AC45s as a guest racer.

Those eligible will be able to bid for this once in a lifetime opportunity to ‘fly’ around the Solent at incredible speeds of up to 30 knots, passing within feet of the other teams in this special, one-off race event.

And people could even get the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities as in the past guest racers have included actors Liam Hemsworth, Alfie Allen and Mark Ruffalo, singer Wyclef Jean and Virgin founder, Richard Branson.

There’s one place on board ASSF Trustee Sir Ben Ainslie’s Land Rover BAR boat.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation to help it improve the lives of young people through sailing, in Dorset, across the UK and around the world.

To date the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation has supported numerous charitable sailing activities including the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre based on Portland.

The Foundation focuses its charitable support by breaking down barriers to sailing participation, including financial, physical health, mental health or social barriers, by offering financial subsidies.

Visit www.assf-proam.com