The sun, which must have been hiding briefly behind a cloud, emerged and shone through the spectacular stained glass, just as a Union Jack-draped coffin nudged its slow passage into a packed Sherborne Abbey. The gathering, which included may of the biggest names in sailing, flying in from all corners of the world was unlike any ever seen... and that so many had taken the time and effort to attend Andrew 'Bart' Simpson's memorial service was testament to the man's impact on those who had met him.

A moving ceremony included readings by Sir Ben Ainslie and an eloquent tribute by Iain Percy and was followed by a celebration of Bart Simpson's life in the grounds of Sherborne Castle, where the sun continued to shine, and many stories were shared by the multitude of people whose lives had been touched by a special man. It was both a sad and a very special day, never to be forgotten by those who were there.

This video includes a range of images and memories of a man who meant so much to so many.

 


 

For more on Andrew 'Bart' Simpson and his sad loss, see Tragic Loss of British Sailing Legend Andrew Simpson.

Andrew Simpson and Iain Percy at Beijing in 2008

Andrew Simpson and Iain Percy at Beijing in 2008

Written by: Gael Pawson
Gael Pawson is the editor of Yachts & Yachting Magazine and the founder of Creating Waves. A keen racer, she has sailed all her life, and started writing about the subject whilst studying journalism at university. Dinghies and small keelboats are her first loves, but she has cruised and raced a huge variety of boats in locations across the world.