OLYMPIC sailing legend Andrew Simpson’s funeral will be held on May 31 in Sherborne, it has been announced.

A service at Sherborne Abbey in Dorset on 31 May will be followed by a reception at the town's castle.

The 36-year-old died when his catamaran overturned during training for the America's Cup in San Francisco Bay earlier this month.

The Royal Yachting Association has confirmed the funeral details.

Guests are asked to take photos of Andrew and make donations for a youth sailing charity to be set up in his memory.

A RYA spokesman said: “The funeral service for Olympic gold and silver medallist and America’s Cup sailor Andrew Simpson has been confirmed as 31 May 2013.

“Andrew James ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE tragically passed away, aged 36, on 9 May 2013 in San Francisco.

“He was a devoted husband, adored daddy, son, brother and friend to so many whose lives he touched.

“The service will be held at Sherborne Abbey, Dorset, on Friday 31 May at 1pm, followed by a celebration of Andrew’s life at Sherborne Castle.

“Guests are requested to bring any photos they may have of Andrew to be placed on a memory wall for people to share, and his family to treasure.

“Family flowers only are requested for the funeral – donations are instead welcome towards a sailing charity to benefit children which will be set up in Andrew’s memory.”

Mr Simpson left a wife and two children. He won gold at the Beijing Games in 2008 and silver at the London 2012 races held off Weymouth and Portland with partner and best friend Iain Percy.

Mr Simpson was one of 11 people onboard the Artemis Racing AC72 catamaran when he became trapped underneath.

America's Cup organisers confirmed this year's San Francisco event would go ahead as planned in September.

An independent safety review has been commissioned alongside a police inquiry.

Cheques in his memory should be made payable to ‘Peter Jackson Funeral Services Charity’ and sent to Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons Bungalow, High Street, Henstridge, Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0RB.

Donors are asked to write ‘Simpson’ on the reverse of the cheque or enclose a covering note.