World Record attempt in memory of Olympian Andrew Simpson

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.

A record-breaking bid in memory of Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson is being held in Weymouth.

More than 13,000 sailors have signed up from 750 clubs in 65 countries for the first ever Bart’s Bash, which is aiming to set a record for the largest sailing event in the world.

The event is in memory of Andrew "Bart" Simpson, who was killed while training for the America's Cup in May 2013.