Record turnout expected for Bart's Bash

Bart’s Bash, the global sailing race organised by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation which took place on 21st September, has set the new Guinness World Record for the Largest Sailing Race (24 hours).

While the Bart’s Bash technical team are still processing the data submitted by some of the 768 venues who took part, the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation is delighted to announce that the threshold of 2,500 boats sailing in regattas including at least 25 boats, the key criteria to meet the record, has been reached. This announcement comes after processing the results of 3,600 boats, who have sailed over 10,000,000 metres in total, which equals 18% of the data the organisation expects to receive in the coming days. “The event has proved a huge success and we are delighted to announce that, subject to ratification, we have set the new Guinness World Record. And we have done it in style with 82% of the results still to be processed,” said Richard Percy, CEO of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. “The turnout on 21st September exceeded our expectations and we are very happy that we provided a truly global opportunity for people to come together and enjoy sailing. We hope this event will become a regular feature in the global sailing calendar.” The event was a world-wide celebration of sailing attracting over 18,000 participants of all ages and abilities, taking part in 68 different countries. For many people it was their first time sailing. Races were held between 0.00 and 23.59 GMT on 21st September 2014 globally.

Thousands have taken part in the largest sailing race in the world today, in memory of Olympic Champion Andrew 'Bart' Simpson.

The father of two from Sherborne in Dorset died while training for the America's Cup in May last year.

Today more than fourteen thousand sailors from sixty five countries took part in the inaugural "Bart's Bash", including his four-year-old son Freddie and sailing partner Iain Percy.

We'll have a special report on Meridian Tonight tomorrow at 6pm.

A Guinness World Record attempt for the biggest sailing race in the world is taking place at venues all around the south coast.

Bart's Bash has been organised by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.

It will feature more than 13 thousand sailors and has so far raised more than one hundred thousand pounds for the charity.

Olympic gold and silver medalist sailor Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, died in an America's Cup training accident last year.

Over 550 sailing venues in more than 50 countries are so far signed up to take part in Bart's Bash including a number across Dorset, Hampshire, Kent and Sussex.

As Bart's closest and oldest friends, Sir Ben Ainslie and two-time Olympic champion sailor Iain Percy are spearheading the Bart's Bash crusade.