By Gary Anderson

October 16 - Andrew Simpson died in May of this year following an accident in San Francisco Bay during training for the Americas CupBritish sailor Andrew Simpson died from "blunt trauma with drowning" a medical report has concluded, following an investigation into the incident in May which saw the Beijing 2008 gold medal winner's boat capsize in San Francisco Bay during training for the America's Cup.

The 36-year-old was onboard the Swedish boat Artemis when the accident occurred on May 9.

The 72-foot racing catamaran, which was due to be retired on the day of the accident, was turning downwind in a so-called bear-away manoeuvre while travelling at about 30 knots, or 34 miles per hour, when the front of the vessel dipped beneath the surface, the port hull broke and inverted on top of the wing, according to the San Francisco medical-examiner's report.

The recorded wind speeds on the day were around 20 knots, or 23 miles per hour, which race organisers said were normal for San Francisco Bay.

Simpson, who also took silver in the Star class at London 2012, became trapped under the boat for "approximately 10 minutes" but the report did not reveal why he could not escape the wreckage before he "was then located, floating in the waters of the bay, unconscious" said the report.

The father of two, who was from Dorset, was part of an 11-man crew on the Artemis, which was being skippered by his close friend and sailing partner in Beijing and London, Iain Percy when it got into difficulty.

Andrew Simpson (right) and his good friend Iain Percy took gold at Beijing 2008 and silver at London 2012 in the Star classAndrew Simpson (right) and his good friend Iain Percy took gold at Beijing 2008 and silver at London 2012 in the Star class






























The report said that Simpson had been wearing a helmet, wetsuit, flotation device and shoes and found that the only drug in his system at the time of his death was caffeine.

Four other boats came to the aid of the stricken vessel and hauled the remaining 10 crew members aboard.

America's Cup spokesman Peter Rusch called the report "comprehensive" adding "our thoughts and sympathies remain with Andrew Simpson's family and friends."

Following the incident, concerns were raised over the safety of the boats being used in the regatta, forcing organisers into introducing a number of safety improvements that included limits on wind speeds, enhanced sailor safety equipment, including buoyancy aids, body armour, crew locator devices, hands-free breathing apparatus and high visibility helmets.

Sir Ben Ainsle and Iain Percy were among the pall-bearers at Andrew Simpson's funeralSir Ben Ainsle and Iain Percy were among the pall-bearers at Andrew Simpson's funeral

Team GB teammate Sir Ben Ainslie went on to win the America's Cup with the USA's Team Oracle last month, and both he and Percy were pallbearers at their long-time friend's funeral on May 31.

The pair, along with Simpson's widow Leah, have set up a foundation in honour of the late sailor, which helps to support youngsters taking part in the sport.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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