boatfolk and ASF join forces to launch #boatgen
boatfolk has partnered with sailing charity, Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF), to launch #boatgen, a not-for-profit sailing initiative which aims to get children and teens on the water.
Dominic Zammit, director at boatfolk, comments: “We believe it is possible to transform and make a difference to young lives through sailing, it offers essential life skills like teamwork, confidence and perseverance. boatgen is a movement that seeks to ignite a passion for being on the water in UK’s youth and to create a community of boaters for the next generation. We want to take away the fears and barriers associated with trying boating for the first time and to foster a sense of pride in our young boaters. boatgen provides curious water-lovers with the support, guidance, and tools they need to try boating.
“We are thrilled to be partnered with the highly respected Andrew Simpson Foundation. This great stride forward will help us to achieve our shared goals, getting as many people as possible having fun afloat and giving our young people around the UK new and exciting opportunities. We look forward to a long and exciting partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation.”
Founding trustee of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, Sir Ben Ainslie adds: “With stunning coastline in the UK, and so many benefits associated with getting out on the water, it’s time to start introducing the next generation to the amazing experiences that come with being a boater. boatgen is an incredible initiative that looks to truly inspire and motivate young people to get outdoors and try sailing or to help them achieve their dream careers in the marine and maritime sector, regardless of their circumstances.
“I am really proud of the impact the Andrew Simpson Foundation is having both locally and nationally, partnering with organisations like boatfolk to achieve this.”
All participants in boatgen activities will be guided onto the most suitable pathway for them, whether that’s further education, careers, performance racing, or leisure boating. Some of the activities boatgen will be delivering include:
Sailing experience days
Delivered in partnership with ASF and other sea school partners, the sailing experience days will provide free opportunities to try sailing for the first time. The first boatgen sailing experience day will be held at ASC Portsmouth on 10th October. Further dates at other centres and boatfolk marinas will be announced soon.
Pop-up boat club
boatfolk says plans for a roving fleet of keel boats and leisure equipment are underway. The pop-up boat club will travel the country, bringing opportunities for the local boatgen communitity to get out on the water at each of the boatfolk marinas and Andrew Simpson Centres.
Get afloat days
The get afloat days aim to get young people out on the water using entry level equipment such as paddleboards and kayaks, with a view to progressing to a sailing experience day in the future.
Career pathways
boatfolk says the career pathways are designed to help those that want to pursue a career in the marine sector find the right pathway for them, whether that’s a future in performance racing or working within the marina environment.
Youth ambassador program
This initiative is aimed at giving experienced young boaters a virtual platform to share their passion with peers. Tim Long, who was the youngest person to sail around Britain at 15-years old, has signed up to be a boatgen ambassador hoping to inspire other people his age.
Long comments: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining as a boatgen ambassador and am excited to share my experiences with peers and encourage them to try out the sport that I am so passionate about. I love the feeling of freedom and self-reliance that comes with being on the water and I think that every young person should have an opportunity to experience that too.”
