Bart's Bash at St Edmundsbury Sailing & Canoeing Association
by Mike Steele 22 Sep 2014 14:25 BST
21 September 2014
Twenty four sailors from the St Edmundsbury Sailing & Canoeing Association competed in their Bart's Bash regatta, at Lackford Lake, on Sunday as part of an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Sailing Race (24 hours). The SESCA regatta was one of hundreds taking place around world to remember Olympic sailing gold medallist Andrew 'Bart' Simpson and to inspire the next generation of sailors. The event attracted over 18,000 participants in more than 700 sailing clubs in 68 different countries.
Foundation Trustee Sir Ben Ainslie, said: 'The response has been unbelievable. It was always going to be a special, fun and inspiring day and it has exceeded all expectations. Thank you to everyone who has supported it and worked so hard to make it happen."
With a wide far variety of craft on the water; competitors ranging in age from ten to eighty and experience levels from complete novices to a world champion, the SESCA event fully reflected the spirit of the day.
It was fitting that the race was won on handicap by James Denny (14), the youngest helm, sailing a Topper, the slowest boat in the fleet. His winning margin was 8 seconds over Mike Steele, Laser, with Carl Day and Alan Shaw, Enterprise, taking third.
Next Sunday sees a continuation of the Autumn series, with Veterans' Trophy Day followed by a Junior Sailing afternoon. Further details at www.westsuffolksailing.org.uk
www.bartsbash.co.uk