America's Cup training accident leaves one dead. Simpson dies after training accident.Artemis Racing CEO Paul Cayard and San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White react to the tragic death of Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson.

Andrew Simpson - described as "a true sailing legend" - dies after his catamaran capsizes during training for the America's Cup.

Olympic gold medallist Andrew Simpson has been killed after his yacht capsized in San Francisco Bay during training for the America's Cup.

Simpson had been sailing on the Artemis, Sweden's entry in the upcoming race, when the catamaran turned over and he became trapped underneath for about 10 minutes, his racing team said in a statement.

Attempts were made to revive the 36-year-old both in the water and on shore, but he was unable to be saved.

Artemis Racing said: "It is with immense sadness that Artemis Racing confirms the tragic death of crew member Andrew 'Bart' Simpson in San Francisco."
Simpson's yacht capsized around half a mile north of Treasure Island The yacht capsized around half a mile north of Treasure Island

The team's chief executive Paul Cayard added: "The entire Artemis Racing team is devastated by what happened. Our heartfelt condolences are with Andrew's wife and family."

Mr Cayard said the boat had been brought "under control", but stressed the team's first concern was to "ensure everyone's well-being".

Simpson, who served as the Swedish team's strategist, was one of 11 members of crew on board the 72ft catamaran.

He was sailing alongside his childhood friend and Olympic partner Iain Percy, who is the sailing team's director and tactician.

Six weeks ago, Simpson tweeted: "Moving the family to San Fran for 6 months is pretty hectic!!! The cup should be fun though!!"
Andrew Simpson during a practice event for the 2012 Olympic Games Simpson in 2012 during a practice event for the 2012 London Games

Simpson had won two Olympic medals, including a gold medal in Beijing in 2008 and silver in last year's Games in London, both in the Star class.

He was awarded an MBE in the 2009 New Year Honours list.

Born in Chertsey, Surrey, Simpson started sailing at the age of six with his father in Christchurch, Dorset, according to Tyler Sports Management.

Tributes have poured in from the world of sailing and beyond.

A statement from Sir Ben Ainslie's Oracle Team read: "Today is a sad day for all of us in the sailing community. Andrew Simpson was a great person, a terrific sailor, and a good friend to all of our team.

"Our thoughts are with his family and the entire Artemis team. He will be dearly missed."
Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Andrew Simpson Simpson received an MBE in 2009

Olympic silver medallist windsurfer Nick Dempsey tweeted: "Going to miss you Bart", while Luke Patience, who took silver in the men's 470 class at London 2012, wrote: "Devastated. Bart, you are a true inspiration."

Simon Shaw, sailing double world match racing champion, added: Today we lost a courageous sailor. A true friend from school, till now, my heart is with his family."

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Sailing Team said they were "devastated" by the news.

John Derbyshire, RYA's performance director, said: "Andrew is someone I've worked closely with since the age of 16 - he was a great talent, and a key figure in our World Class Programme over many years culminating in his well-deserved Olympic success.

"He was a huge inspiration to others, both within the British Sailing Team and across the nation and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this terrible time."
Andrew Simpson (second from L) celebrates with team mates after winning gold at the Beijing Olympics Simpson (second from left) celebrates with his Beijing Olympics teammates

In a statement the America's Cup said: "Andrew was an immensely popular and respected member of the sailing community, and his two Olympic medals were testament to his talent.

свернуть