A host of local sailing clubs from Weymouth and Portland took part in Bart’s Bash, the global sailing event in memory of Sailor, Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson over the weekend. The event held in Bart’s name saw 116 boats and 190 people taking to the water in Portland Harbour on Sunday September 20th.
Thousands of sailors from across 62 countries took part in the event in aid of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, which uses sailing to transform the lives of young people, both nationally and across the world.
A fundraiser held on Saturday night at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, attended by more than 100 local people, raised over £2,500.
Many of the world’s greatest sailing names signed up to participate on the Olympic waters, including; British Olympic Gold Medallists and Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation Trustees, Sir Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy OBE and members from the British Sailing Team past and present, who all took part in a variety of boats with their friends and family.
Sir Ben and Iain who are both in the middle of America’s Cup campaigns, took some time out from sailing high speed catamarans to enjoy some time with their friends. Iain sailed in a dinghy with friend Anthony ‘Nocka’ Nossiter and Freddie Simpson and Ben took part with close friend Matt Cornwell aka Catflap in a 49er FX.
Sir Ben said “Bart’s Bash is about getting people of any age out on the water but predominantly youngsters. They are the next generation of people that we need to support. The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation is hugely motivated in getting youngsters into the sport of sailing and Bart’s Bash is a huge part of that”.
Iain added “Bart’s Bash is about us all getting out and enjoying being on the water together. It felt so special to be back in Weymouth sailing with Freddie. Seeing hundreds of different people, in a variety of boats and having such a great time in honour of our dear friend Bart, makes the whole event so worthwhile and we’re already looking forward to next year”.
Organisers report that in excess of twenty five million metres have been sailed around the world already with many results yet to be added.
Highlight’s footage is available to watch on the event’s website http://www.bartsbash.com. Results are coming in thick and fast and will be revealed along with the winner as soon as possible.