Sailing clubs
across the country are being urged to take part in a day of
record-breaking dinghy racing in memory of Olympian Andrew Simpson.

The
sporting event, dubbed ‘Bart’s Bash’, aims to make it into the Guinness World
Records book as the largest dinghy sailing race in the world ever.

It
is due to launch on 1 February 2014 with a full briefing for participating
clubs and competitors. The big event will take place on Sunday 21 September
with racing being held simultaneously at hundreds of sailing clubs across Great
Britain.

The
Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation is organizing Bart’s Bash in memory of the
America’s Cup sailor and double Olympic medallist, who was nicknamed ‘Bart’ by
his friends and colleagues.

The
36-year-old from Sherborne, Dorset tragically died in May 2013, while training
for the 34th Americas Cup.

The
idea for Bart’s Bash was born from an article by sailing journalist Andy Rice
who wrote: ‘I have been wondering if there is a way of having a club race
simultaneously across the whole country. Pretty much every club in the country
has a race on Sunday morning, with all kinds of boats taking part, why can’t we
get all the race results mashed together to create one big national race on a
Sunday morning?’

Andrew’s
sister Amanda Simpson, event director, said: ‘There is a strong team behind
Bart’s Bash with tons of enthusiasm to make this a ‘must do event’ and at this
stage we are planning to make an official launch with race specifics on 1
February, 2014.

‘The
foundation will be looking to engage all RYA affiliated clubs and centres with
the race which could generate interest from several hundreds of clubs across
the country.’

Jez
Payne from ‘The Bart Project’ added: ‘It is one of those ideas that has huge
potential to be a major, major event that absolutely honours the core of what
Andrew was about.’

Sir
Ben Ainslie said: ‘We have been overwhelmed with the support from the sailing
community for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.

‘We
firmly hope this event will inspire sailors young and old, beginners to
professionals with clubs getting involved to capture people’s imagination and
create thousands of Guinness World record holders.’

The
foundation is a sailing charity that was set up in Andrew’s memory tto benefit
children.

Andrew’s
best friend, the triple Olympic medalist, Iain Percy added: ‘I am positive that
it will not only receive enormous support from the UK but worldwide support
too, it’s going to be a colossal event and a great fun way to get thousands of
people on the water at the same time whilst raising money for the foundation.’

Find out more at www.bartsbash.co.uk