In a shocking day for sailing and the America's Cup, Artemis Racing has confirmed the tragic death of crew member Andrew "Bart" Simpson during training in San Francisco yesterday.
Andrew Simpson (36), a British double Olympic medalist, was one of the 11-man crew aboard Artemis Racing's AC72 catamaran which capsized during training on San Francisco Bay ahead of this summer's America's Cup. All other crewmembers are accounted for.
Simpson, however, was trapped underneath the boat and despite attempts to revive him, by doctors afloat and subsequently ashore, his life was lost.
"The entire Artemis Racing team is devastated by what happened," said CEO Paul Cayard. "Our heartfelt condolences are with Andrew's wife and family."
He was sailing alongside childhood friend and Olympic sailing partner Iain Percy, the Artemis team's director and tactician. He had moved to San Francisco six weeks ago to take up the Cup challenge
Simpson had won two Olympic medals, including a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games and silver in last year's Games in London, both in the Star keel boat class.
Simpson speaks to the press at the Sail for Gold Regatta last year, weeks before the Games
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.
Tributes have poured in from the world of sailing and beyond.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Sailing Team said they were "devastated" by the news.
Afloat.ie expresses our deepest condolences to Simpson's family, friends and his teammates.
