New world record set in memory of late British Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson

Hundreds of boats including nine Clipper Race Yachts lined the south coast on Sunday to set a new provisional Guinness World Record in honour of late British Olympic sailor Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson.

Bart’s Bash – initiated by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation - was created in memory of the Beijing 2008 gold medallist who died in a training accident off the coast of San Francisco last spring.

Simpson was a training partner and close friend of London 2012 champion sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, who helped create the foundation to ensure Bart’s legacy continued.

The record for ‘World’s Largest Sailing Race in 24 hours (multiple venues)’ saw around 15,000 sailors from 750 clubs, spanning 65 countries, take to the seas across the world.

Winning skipper in the 2013/2014 Clipper Race Eric Holden, was among those taking part in the challenge which saw boats from across the globe race in the largest sailing event in history.

He told Sky Sports: “Today was a lot of fun but ultimately it was about raising funds and awareness for Bart’s Bash. It was good to be a part of it and extra special to do it on the Solent and seeing all those boats out there today.

“I got to know Andrew slightly during my Olympic campaign (in the 2004 Games in Athens), and I think it was really amazing how pretty much the whole sailing community around the world got involved in supporting this.

“Obviously what happened to him was a tragic event. We push the limits sometimes, but it doesn’t happen often in our sport.

“He was a really successful sailor and everybody had so much respect for him, not just because of his performances, but also because he was a super nice guy."

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who in 1969 became the first person in history to complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe, also raced aboard a Clipper Yacht during Bart’s Bash.

He added: “I think it’s been a fantastic weekend for the Clipper Race Yacht Club and the fact we were able to include such a big entry into Bart’s Bash with 150 people from our club taking part has been great.”