THOUSANDS of sailors across the world will once again be hitting the waves this weekend as Bart’s Bash makes its return to Weymouth and Portland.

Last year the regatta broke the Guinness World Record for the largest sailing race in 24 hours at multiple venues including on Portland, as sailors across the world took part.

The event was held in memory of Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson who tragically died in 2013.

This year’s event, held this Sunday, is hoping to be even bigger and better and get more people out on the water than ever before.

Stars of the sailing world including Bart’s team mate Iain Percy, gold medal winners Sir Ben Ainslie and Shirley Robertson, and Sir Robin- Knox-Johnston who became the first man to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 1969, have encouraged people to sign up.

Bart’s Bash will see thousands of people from across the world joining the likes of America’s Cup sailors Sir Ben Ainslie, Jimmy Spithill and the British Sailing Team who all took part in the inaugural event in 2014.

Iain Percy sailed in Bart’s Bash with Andrew’s son Freddie in Weymouth last year and will be joining in the event again this year.

He said: “It was awesome to see so many boats out in Portland Harbour last year sailing for Bart.

“I’m really looking forward to be back there again this year, and hope to see even more people, along with their buddies, on the start line.”

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, The Official Training Centre, Chesil Sailability, Weymouth Sailing Club, Castle Cove Sailing Club and Royal Dorset Yacht Club will all be joining together for Bart’s Bash this year.

There will be three separate races, all commencing at 11am. Two races inside the harbour will feature all the dinghies and windsurfers from each of the clubs, and the race outside the harbour will host the yachts.

Following the racing, there will be a series called the Bart’s Bash Buoy Race taking place at the WPNSA to allow those who cannot sail to get on the water and get involved.

To enter the event this year visit bartsbash.com

If you want to get involved but do not have a boat call the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre on 01305 457 400 or email weymouth@andrewsimpsonsailing.org