One of the fantastic things about Bart’s Bash is that anyone can
take part, even when far away from their home club.

In Vassiliki, a strong-wind
mecca on the Greek island of Levkas, holidaymaking sailors from 12 countries
gravitated to Wildwind windsurf and dinghy club, swelling the numbers already
taking part to 44 boats and 66 people.

All came together to honour the life of
Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, support the sailing charity set up in his memory, and
help break the Guinness world record for the biggest-ever sailing race.

It was an exciting event – too exciting for some! Tiny Quba
dinghies, Lasers from nearby Ocean Elements club, various RS asymmetrics and
local boats from Levkas SC all started together in one mass movement spiced up
by Wildwind’s fleet of high-speed Hobie cats.

Luckily there was just a light
breeze on the first leg giving the boats a chance to separate before humungous,
violent gusts torpedoed down from the mountain that flanks Vassiliki bay.

This Bart’s Bash race was brilliant for thrill-seekers. The wind
veered after the start turning the course into a series of wild reaches.
White-knuckle planing in a Laser towards a gybe mark already surrounded by
capsized boats is something I won’t forget, nor my own wipe-out that swiftly
followed.

Luckily the gusts were interspersed by lulls, giving capsizers a
chance to right their boats before riding the next turquoise wave in a another
blast of breeze in the glorious Greek sunshine.

Overall winner of the Vassiliki event was Jon Powell representing
Warsash Sailing Club near Southampton in an Ocean Elements Laser. Sarah Smith
of Hayling Island Sailing Club scored second place in a Wildwind Laser Radial.

Only 25 of the 44 boats finished but all the retirees were quickly
rescued and soon smiling on the beach. Adults and children sailed and
celebrated together in a truly international mix including Britons, Greeks,
Serbians, Canadians, Swedes, Danes, Swiss and many more.

Simon Morgan, founder of Wildwind, said: ‘I’m thrilled with the
amount of support from our clients, other companies’ clients, Levkas SC and a
good contingent of expats, all of whom put their hands in their pockets to support
the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.

‘And we’re looking forward to doing it
again here next year.’

Pictures: PBO’s Contributing Editor Sarah Norbur; Before the start; Left to right, second-placed Sarah Smith, Wildwind founder
Simon Morgan, overall winner Jon Powell;Nonika
Oikonopolou, Coach Nautical Club of Lefkas; After the finish, survivors and retirees safely back on the
beach