Hundreds of sailors descended on Portland Harbour for the fourth annual Bart’s Bash.

Around 200 sailors braved the downpours at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on Saturday to take part in the international charity event, organised by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.

Some 100 boats sailed from the academy in memory of Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, who tragically died in a sailing accident while training for the America’s Cup in California in 2013. They joined thousands of other sailors around the globe for the race which took place across 71 different countries this year.

This year, the foundation has pledged to use the funds to help rebuild and re-equip sailing clubs and training centres affected by Hurricane Irma.

Due to a lack of wind and torrential downpours, the race at Portland was postponed for a short time however it didn’t dampen spirits as sailors raced to the water once they were given the go ahead.

Two youngsters’ days were made particularly special with a surprise announcement that they would be sailing with Iain Percy, Andrew Simpson’s Olympic sailing partner and close friend who co-founded the foundation.

Winning a day on the water with Iain was the top prize of an auction held to raise funds for the foundation. When the auction winner realised they could not make the day, Billy Hope and Ben Thomas, both 14, were put forward. Billy and Ben are both volunteers at the academy, and were overwhelmed to be chosen following their hard work and dedication to helping others.

Billy said: “We help kids learn to sail here. “It was a very good race and it was fun being with Iain, we really enjoyed it.”

Ben added: “Because of the weather we got to spend a bit more time out on the water and with Iain.” 

“I have done all four Bart’s Bash’s.”

After spending a year away in Bermuda for the America’s Cup, high profile sailor Iain joined friends and family at the academy where he spent many years training for his Olympic campaigns with Bart.

Iain sailed his Bart’s Bash in the Star boat in which he competed in the first Bart’s Bash in 2014 with Andrew’s eldest son, Freddie Simpson.

Speaking after the race, Iain said: “It was great to go out with Billy and Ben. I taught them a few things but by the end they were great. I was the one who was sheltering under the deck when the rain came in.” 

“It’s always good to be back here in Weymouth. A lot of people do it to support Bart and others do it because it’s a great event. 

“It has caught people’s imagination, and I hope it will continue long into the future.”