Who We Are - About the Foundation
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he made his fortune as a grocer but became one of the world’s first global entrepreneurs. His passion for sailing was expressed most memorably through his five challenges to win the premier yachting trophy, the America’s Cup, between 1899 and 1930. It was not just how often he challenged but the way in which he competed. He became a renowned ambassador for the sport, bringing a new sparkle to it and setting new standards in sportsmanship, perseverance, marketing and diplomacy. In sponsoring sailing all over the world Sir Thomas demonstrated his passion for enabling the sport of sailing to flourish and to be accessible to people of all backgrounds. There have been many great names in the history of sailing and through the America’s Cup in particular, but a grant-giving Foundation in Sir Thomas Lipton’s name to help the young through sailing is particularly appropriate because:  He championed water-based sport all over the world.He is a perfect example of how sailing can transform someone's life.
Thanks to the tea company he started and his sailing legacy, Sir Thomas Lipton is a recognisable name from Cowes to New Zealand. Sir Thomas Lipton Cups and regattas still take place in different parts of the world.
He represents a golden era of sailing and yacht racing. He is still regarded today as one of the finest ambassadors for sailing that there has ever been. |
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Sir Thomas Lipton (1848-1931) is the inspiration for this Foundation.