Sailors unite to pay tribute to Olympian in Littlehampton

Racers joining Bart's Bash record attempt in Littlehampton SUS-140922-154701001

More than 100 sailors set off from Rustington on Sunday (September 21), racing 5,000 metres out to sea to the weather station and back, as part of a global attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest sailing race.

The event, known as Bart’s Bash, saw almost 700 clubs across the world joining in, with the Arun Youth Aqua Centre (AYAC), Arun Yacht Club and the East Preston Open Dinghy Sailing Club leading the charge, locally.

Gareth Hughes, AYAC’s event maker for the race, said: “Andrew Simpson inspired so many young sailors, not just with his skill, but also his commitment to the sport and encouragement to young sailors – and the sailors from AYAC took pride in remembering his achievements and supporting his legacy.”

Arun Youth Aqua Centre coming home after taking on the Bart's Bash memorial race, on Sunday SUS-140922-154719001

Bart’s Bash was in aid of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, set up in his memory to inspire the next generation of young people through sailing in the UK and around the world.

Bart died tragically in a training accident in San Fransisco Bay while preparing for the America’s Cup competition in May, 2013.

AYAC fielded a particularly strong fleet made up of 52 sailors, ranging from nine-years-old to 75, in a total of 23 dinghies at Sunday’s race.

The total fleet in the water, which included a number of faster catamarans and cruisers, was in excess of 40.

Mr Hughes added: “It was a treat for the young sailors of AYAC to sail alongside such a range of boats and experience.”

Alan Grieve, of the Open Dinghy Sailing Club, said: “The race was brilliant. We had perfect conditions.

“It was great to see so many sailors on the water. Bart was quite a character and was well respected by a lot of us in the sailing fraternity.

“We’re hoping this might become an annual event.”

In the mono hull fleet, first home were Nick and Roger Elliman in their RS 400.

Mr Hughes added: “AYAC is a charity that makes learning to sail affordable for young people and so we are very well aligned to the aims of the Bart Simpson sailing foundation. We are therefore very pleased to be donating more than £200 to the sailing foundation as a result of our participation in Bart’s Bash.”