Teen organizes fundraiser for Andrew Simpson’s Sailing Foundation

by Sarah Johnson on 17 Apr 2014 Fourteen year old Billy Vennis Ozanne, from Hampshire is organizing for the proceeds from the HISC 5th May Pursuit Race to be donated to his sailing hero Andrew (Bart) Simpson’s Sailing Foundation. Billy was inspired after meeting the gold and silver Olympic medallist, Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson when he visited Hayling Island Sailing Club two years ago following the 2012 London Olympics. Bart was tragically killed last May during a training session on San Francisco Bay prior to the 2013 America’s Cup Regatta.

14 year old Billy, who lives in Hill Head and has been a member of Hayling Island Sailing Club since 2011 is already an inspiring sailor himself; having won the RS Tera World Championships in Lago di Iseo Italy in 2012, against a field of 80 entries. Billy currently sails a RS Feva and Topper and is competing in the Feva and Topper Worlds this August.

Billy is also not new to fund-raising having raised £3500 in 2013 for ECHO, The Evelina Children’s Heart Organisaton who provide support for children and young people with heart conditions. Billy himself had a heart operation at the age of two weeks and the money raised will buy some play equipment for heart condition children when they are convalescing.

Earlier this year Billy approached the HISC Youth Committee to ask if he could organize a fund raising event for his sailing hero, Andrew Simpson’s Sailing Foundation. The event will take place on the Bank Holiday, Monday 5th May 2014 and is open to non-members. Full details including entrance fees can be found on the HISC website.

Billy would welcome donations for prizes which will be handed out across the fleet to encourage young newcomers into sailing.

Bart Simpson’s sister, Amanda Simpson and mother will both be visiting HISC to hand out the prizes and publicize the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation which aims to inspire the next generation into sailing.

For more information on the HISC Pursuit Race 5th May 2014 please, click here

For details of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation please visit www.andrewsimpsonsailing.org