A SAILING event aiming to break a world record in memory of Olympian Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson has officially been launched.

‘Bart’s Bash’ aims to unite sailors and clubs around the country to take part in a simultaneous dinghy race.

It was dreamed up in the wake of the tragic death of Simpson, who drowned while competing in the America’s Cup. With his sailing partner Iain Percy, Simpson won a gold medal at the Beijing Games and a silver at London 2012.

On February 1 Bart’s Bash was launched by a 90-second film, entitled ‘Alignment’, which demonstrates the worldwide support the event has already attracted.

The film included appearances from Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy, Jimmy Spithill, John Bertrand, Grant Simmer, Nathan Outterridge, Paul Goodison and Shirley Robertson.

Jez Payne, event director for Bart’s Bash, said: “Seven days ago we tested the water with the film and asked those of the sailing world, both past and present, to send us a personal message if they felt aligned with Bart’s Bash.

 

 

 

“This film is just the beginning of what we received, and we’ll be sharing more of the films we have been generously given in the coming weeks.

“This event will be an opportunity for anyone to race against the best in the world.

“So far 322 clubs from across 17 countries have signed up and we hope this number grows significantly.”

Sir Ben Ainslie unveiled plans to stage the event back in December in honour of his friend to correspond with what would have been Simpson’s 37th birthday on September 21. To sign up email tim@bartsbash.co.uk or visit bartsbash.co.uk.

  • A DESIGN from Dorchester  has been chosen for the Bart’s Bash world record sailing attempt.

Ten logos were shortlisted and after much deliberation the trustees of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation chose the design by Polly Durrant from Dorchester.

Judges felt it was ‘simple, instantly recognisable, had international reach and included elements from the Star and Finn class logos’ – both areas that Andrew was closely linked to.

The logo features the star for Star class and the wavy lines of the Finn class.
Polly said she was delighted to have been chosen