UK Minister for Sport Helen Grant supports Bart's Bash

UK Minister for Sport Helen Grant Supports Bart's Bash

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation is delighted to announce that Bart's Bash, the Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest Sailing Race on 21st September 2014, has received the support of UK Minister for Sport Helen Grant.

Minister for Sport Helen Grant said:

"Bart's Bash is a great way of remembering a much loved man and this ambitious attempt at a new Guinness World Record will raise money for the Andrew Simpson Foundation that is helping inspire the next generation of young people through the sport of sailing in the UK and around the world. I'm sure the day will be a huge success, a fun experience and good luck to all those taking part."

Since its launch, sailing stars and Olympic champions across the world have endorsed the event, which organisers hope will inspire new young sailors and encourage participation in the sport.

"It is fantastic to see Bart's Bash receiving support beyond the sailing world, as we pursue our goal to inspire the next generation through sailing. We invite everybody, sailors and non-sailors, to join us on 21st September 2014 in this unique chance to become world record holders. It is sure to be a great, fun experience, whether taking part or supporting on the day," said Foundation Trustee Iain Percy OBE.

With one month to go, over 2,600 sailors from more than 600 clubs in over 50 countries around the world have signed up online and started fundraising to support the Foundation's charitable activities, which aim to help young people to develop the personal skills that will improve their ability to succeed in life.

At a local and national level, the funds will be used to offer subsidised sailing and coach training opportunities at the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre, and to fund the Ambassador programme, designed to inspire school children through the visit of Olympic ambassadors.

The Foundation is also working internationally to develop programmes with overseas countries to use its expertise and resources to enhance sailing activities and participation and to reach more young people. The Ambassador programme includes international visits where these are practical alongside existing competition or travel arrangements. The Foundation has also secured donations of boats and equipment to local clubs and schools.

The Foundation wishes to thank all those who have shown support to our event so far. Registration for clubs closes on 14th September 2014 and individual online entries will close on 19th of September. Participants will be able to sign up on the day at registered Bart's Bash clubs that have capacity; however clubs encourage all interested sailors to sign up at bartsbash.co.uk as soon as possible to enable them to plan accordingly. To make the suggested donation of £5 to enter people can also text BART76 £5 to 70070.

The full Guinness World record criteria are explained here.

You can see where the sailing stars will race on 21st September here.

bartsbash.co.uk