Team GB sailor Micky Beckett is on a charitable mission by putting his Olympic dinghy up for sale. The dinghy, used during his time competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is being raffled off for just £10 a ticket. The laser dinghy, valued at £8,700, was the vessel Beckett raced in at the Games in Marseille. Weighing about 60kg and over 13ft long, the dinghy is a significant token from Beckett’s Olympic journey. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Andrew Simpson Foundation, a charity that introduces young people to the sport of sailing.
Beckett expressed his desire to make the dinghy accessible to a wide audience, especially those new to sailing. He emphasised that the objective is to engage individuals who may not be familiar with sailing and provide them with an opportunity to own a piece of Olympic history. The Olympic-themed dinghy still carries the iconic Olympic rings and will be personally delivered by Beckett to the lucky winner. Beckett shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ll even help you get set up and give you advice to get you going.”
The ILCA 7 boat, a brand-new model introduced for Paris 2024, was generously donated by Ovington Boats. The raffle has garnered support from Tideway Wealth and Retirement. Beckett highlighted the versatility of the dinghy, suitable for beginners to seasoned sailors. He encouraged potential participants to consider various uses for the dinghy, including personal enjoyment, competitive sailing, or even donating it to a local sailing club.
The charitable initiative supports the Andrew Simpson Foundation, established in memory of the late Olympic gold medallist Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson. Reflecting on the Foundation’s mission, Beckett underscored the value of sailing as a career path and a recreational activity. He spoke passionately about the Foundation’s role in providing opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds, aiming to enrich lives through the sport of sailing.
Beckett’s initiative to raffle his Olympic dinghy showcases his commitment to giving back to the community and promoting sailing amongst youth. By offering a chance to own a piece of Olympic memorabilia, Beckett hopes to inspire a new generation of sailors. The raffle, with tickets priced affordably at £10, allows everyone to participate and contribute to a worthy cause that supports youth involvement in sailing.