“WHEN AN OPPORTUNITY AROSE IN THE ANDREW SIMPSON FOUNDATION TO TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH SAILING IN THE PLYMOUTH AREA,  IT DID NOT TAKE LONG TO REALISE THAT A STRONGER, MORE SECURE, BETTER EQUIPED, PRESENCE IN PLYMOUTH COULD BE ACHIEVED BY BRINGING HORIZONS INTO THE ASF FAMILY. 
I AM DELIGHTED TO JOIN HORIZONS AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING IT PROSPER AND GROW.”

David is a retired chartered accountant having worked in the UK and internationally for various companies.

David’s passion for sailing stems from his first experiences in a dinghy though Venture Scouts.  David joined Portsmouth Sail Training Trust in 2015 as a trustee and, on its merger into the ASF in October 2017, started supporting the executive team and trustees of ASF. David became a trustee of ASF in November 2020. David has also worked actively as a volunteer supporting the Royal Yachting Association junior and youth programmes.

“From the first time I turned up as a tentative volunteer it was obvious that Horizons is a special organisation and a special group of people. The good they do, particularly in the Schools Project, is self-evident and delivered in a very accessible, happy, safe environment. I am honoured to be a Trustee.”

Michael has worked in aviation for 45 years as a helicopter specialist in the Royal Navy and industry. Working variously as a display pilot, head of training, filming pilot, operations director and chief pilot. He caught the sailing bug in 1970 and as a Horizons volunteer is happy in anything that floats.

“I am thrilled to be invited to join the team of trustees at Horizons. I look forward to supporting the outstanding work Horizons does, especially as we explore opportunities with our new partner, the Andrew Simpson Foundation.”

Andy is a retired hydrographic surveyor and is currently a relief skipper with Ocean Youth Trust and the Island Trust. Working with OYT, Andy spent three years skippering a local 72ft yacht “Falmouth Packet”. Andy then moved to the Offshore Surveying Industry where he has worked in many countries around the world.

As well as skippering for OYT, Andy also volunteers with the local charity,” The Island Trust” as a relief skipper onboard “Johanna Lucretia”. He is an active member of ASTO (The Association of Sail Training Organisations) and an RYA / MCA Yachtmaster examiner.

Andy is keen for everybody to have the opportunity to enjoy time on the water, develop resilience and gain “self-esteem”. This is the magic that happens when sailing with Horizons!

“I feel very fortunate and privileged to be asked to be a trustee of Horizons. I have been inspired by their work with young people for many years. It will be wonderful now to be actively engaged in a community that brings fun, learning and improved confidence to young folk through sailing in a safe, happy environment.”

Jennie was a GP for 32 years in Plymouth until retirement. Sailing has always been part of her life but more recently enjoys dinghy sailing and yachting when time allows!

Stuart has worked in the outdoor industry for over 35 years, running centres from Australia to Plymouth and a number of countries in between. Stuart has been an appointed RYA Dinghy Trainer and Centre Inspector for over 20 years and holds many RYA teaching certificates which will be a great asset to Horizons.

As well as his career in watersports, Stuart has been working in youth work and community development, enabling local organisations to develop their ambitions, make connections, networking and advocating for the voluntary and community sector in the Plymouth area.

“In my capacity as Rear Commodore Sail of the Royal Western Yacht Club, I was deeply impressed by the work of our volunteers in the Cadet Section and have always enjoyed ‘bringing on’ youngsters on my boats. To be part of the Horizons team adds to that enjoyment.”

Born and brought up in Poole, Dorset, Robert’s early childhood was spent sailing round Poole Harbour with mum, dad and sister Annie, in their Yachting World Dayboat. Having joined Pakstone Yacht Club, he spent his teen years racing dinghies and crewing on larger boats. He later joined ‘Motor Boat & Yachting’ magazine on the advertising side, which gave great exposure to many different types of boats. On moving to the West Country, he joined the pharmaceutical industry, which involved a great deal of interesting travel, both in the UK and abroad.  He has owned several sailing yachts and currently enjoys sailing his Beneteau 34.7.