Bermuda Gold cup

simpsonThe Andrew Simpson Gold Cup Benefit is set to take place at during Argo Group Gold Cup on Thursday 10th October 2013 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM in the company of sailing stars from the America’s Cup and the Agro Group Gold Cup. The benefit is sponsored by Argo Group and Swiss watch company, Corum. Andrew, affectionately known as “Bart” saw the best in everything and was the person that many turned to for guidance. The aim of the evening is to honour Andrew’s life and raise funds for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, which was established after the highly regarded sailor’s tragic death in San Francisco. For details see www.andrewsimpsonsailing.org

The Ben Ainslie Racing Team (BART), comprising of the same crew that competed in the 2008 Argo Group Gold Cup with Andrew Simpson as the team advisor, has returned to Bermuda to focus attention on the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation in memory of their late friend and fellow sailor. Founded by Sir Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy OBE and Andrew’s wife Leah, the Foundation will work to honour Andrew’s life and legacy by encouraging youngsters into sailing. At grassroots level it will encourage children to visit their local sailing clubs and ‘give it a try’ by providing equipment and coaching, with support from Olympic medallist Regional Mentors.

The Foundation’s auction is now live at www.andrewsimpson-auction.com/auction and bids can be placed on some fantastic auction lots available at the Andrew Simpson Gold Cup Benefit. The lots range from luxury accessories to signed sailing paraphernalia and from premium accommodation at highly sought after holiday destinations to VIP hospitality tickets for a variety of sporting events.

Auction items include a Corum Admiral’s Cup Tides 48 Watch, a Lapis Lazuli Bead Bracelet from Garrad’s Nautical Collection, Sir Ben Ainslie’s Team GB London 2012 Olympic Sailing Jacket, a piece of Olympic history, and Oracle Team USA memorabilia signed by members of the winning America’s Cup team. Also available to bid on is an optimist sail signed by all the members of the Ben Ainslie Racing Team (BART) Agro Gold Cup Crew.

Jetsetters can bid on two nights stay at the Royal Ocean Racing Club in London or three nights at The Cary Arms located on the English Riviera in Devon. There are a number of auction lots that will appeal to sports enthusiasts, including two Argo Group hospitality tickets to the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, two J.P. Morgan VIP tickets to the New York Jets for an American football experience and two VIP basketball tickets to see the San Antonio Spurs plus two nights stay in a luxury hotel.

Place your bids online by visiting the auction website at www.andrewsimpson-auction.com/auction/. Those attending the Andrew Simpson Gold Cup Benefit and Auction in person (entry is strictly by ticket only) will be able to place bids for the silent auction using the special auction keypads at the event to view the lots and make a bid.

In addition to the generous donations from companies and individuals for the silent auction, the following companies have provided corporate support: Aon Benfield, Guy Carpenter, JLT, Longtail Aviation and Willis.