556 clubs have already registered, including three from Germany, the Westerwald Sailing Club, the North German Regatta Club and the Segeberger Segel-Club. It is the largest regatta in the world, or at least it is registered as such in the Guinness Book of Records.
Bart's Bash is a regatta organised by sailing clubs around the world and initiated by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. This is a non-profit organisation run by top British sailors such as Sir Ben Ainslie and Ian Percy. Its aim is to honour the memory of Andrew Simpson and to promote the sport of sailing in the UK and internationally.
Portrait of the world-class sailor Andrew Simpson
Andrew Simpson, known by many as "Bart" after the character in the American cartoon series "The Simpsons", was killed in an accident in 2013 at the age of just 36 while training for the America's Cup on San Francisco Bay when Team Artemis' catamaran broke.
"Bart's Bash" - which means "Bart's blow" - is intended to commemorate the top sailor and popular figure.
Here's how it works: Each sailing club will organise an individual Bart's Bash regatta locally on Sunday, 21 September 2014, with very few requirements to meet the conditions of the Guinness World Record. The course must be at least one kilometre long and the sailors must sail for more than 15 minutes.
All details on how to measure, which officials are required and how sailors can also participate with other clubs can be found on the Event Homepage.
Interested clubs can register until 19 September.
But Bart's Bash is not just a regatta, it is also a huge fundraiser. The Foundation asks every participant to donate at least £5 to the charity.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
