The inaugural Bart’s Bash is a sailing race that will be run by sailing clubs all around the world on behalf of the charity, the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. On May 9, 2013, Andrew 'Bart' Simpson tragically died in a training accident in San Francisco Bay while preparing for the America's Cup competition. Photo: Provided

“After the last race of the Back to School Regatta, at Nanny Cay, on the Sunday we will all be taking part in Bart's Bash. Our race is scheduled to start about 12.30 pm,” commented a Yacht Club Official. Photo: Provided

Prize giving for the Back to School Regatta will be done as soon as possible once everyone is off the water and the results are ready. Photo: Provided

The inaugural Bart’s Bash is a sailing race that will be run by sailing clubs all around the world on behalf of the charity, the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. On May 9, 2013, Andrew 'Bart' Simpson tragically died in a training accident in San Francisco Bay while preparing for the America's Cup competition.

“After the last race of the Back to School Regatta, at Nanny Cay, on the Sunday we will all be taking part in Bart's Bash. Our race is scheduled to start about 12.30pm,” commented a Yacht Club Official and according to the Organisers the RBVIYC will be donating $5 from each minimum suggested donation for entry of $10 to the Andrew Simpson Foundation.

“Boats of all shapes and sizes will join us on the main course for this last race of the day,” the official said.

Prize giving for the Back to School Regatta will be done as soon as possible once everyone is off the water and the results are ready.

The sailing world was shocked at the loss of “Bart” Simpson, who has been described as a truly great and selfless man. There were clearly many, many people whose lives had been touched by him in some way and the Foundation is a charity set up in Andrew’s memory, since 2013, to inspire the next generation of young people through sailing in the UK and around the world.

Each sailing club will sail an individual Bart’s Bash race at their location (with certain set requirements to meet our world record criteria) on Sunday September 21, 2014. It is the major fundraising event for the Foundation and we are asking people to raise money to support the charitable work. There is no entry fee, but we are suggesting a $10 minimum donation to take part – but we very much hope that you will choose to raise more money for the charity through sponsorship or other events on the day.

Every type of vessel is invited to take part as long as it has a sail; from Optimist, wind surfers, IC24’s to Charter Boats.
The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation transforms the lives of young people through sailing. “Everything we do is driven by our belief that all young people have the ability to excel - through sailing we provide opportunities to grow, achieve and inspire excellence,” the Foundation said.

Inspired by Olympic Gold and Silver medallist Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, and founded by Sir Ben Ainslie CBE, Iain Percy OBE and Andrew's wife Leah, the Foundation helps young people to develop the personal skills to succeed in life and improves access to jobs and careers within the maritime sector.

“Our activity principally focuses on young people between the age of 5 and 24 and we aim to combine invaluable time spent on water alongside providing life changing inspiration and encouragement,” it said.