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Funeral of Olympic sailor

The funeral of Olympic sailing champion Andrew Simpson will take place in his home town of Sherborne in Dorset. The 36-year-old died after his yacht capsized off the Californian coast earlier this month. He was training for the America's Cup.

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Sir Ben Ainslie leads tributes for Andrew Simpson

We are all devastated by Andrew's loss and it has been a very difficult period for all of us as we come to terms with his passing. The fact that so many people have come here from all over the world speaks volumes of the kind of person Bart was. This is a fitting tribute to the person who gave so much."

– Sir Ben Ainslie, Olympic Sailor and friend

As many people have told me in the last few weeks Andy has accomplished more in his 36 years than most people do in their lifetime. We have been deeply moved by all the beautiful tributes received during this immensely sad time. Andrew's presence will be greatly missed by our whole family and we look forward to setting up the charity to carry on inspiring grassroots sailing in Andrew's memory."

– Andrew Simpson's sister Amanda

Sir Ben was a pallbearer at the funeral, along with sailing greats Nick Harrison, Chris Brittle, Paul Goodison MBE, Anthony Nossiter, and Iain Percy OBE, Simpson's sailing partner, best friend and best man at his wedding.

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