The medal was awarded because of the generosity from the members of Medway Yacht Club in a fundraising event Gail organised. A global sailing race called Bart’s Bash took place on September 21st. and members of the Club on the River Medway raised over £1,500. The event was attempting to enter the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ever start line for a sailing race. 58 boats from Medway join boats from all around the World to become proud contributors to the record, the success of which was also announced at the Boat Show.

The money goes to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, the charity founded in memory of, and inspired by, Olympic Gold medallist Andrew “Bart” Simpson who died at the age of 36. Sir Ben Ainslie is a founding trustee. It will be used to change young people’s lives through sailing. Gail said “It is a fantastic legacy of a great sailor to give 5 to 24 year olds from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn how to sail. I am hoping to take a group of students from Brompton Academy to the National Sailing Centre in Weymouth where the Foundation is based.”