The Olympic sailor received the award on behalf of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation in a ceremony at the London Boat Show

Sailing star Sir Ben Ainslie accepted an official Guinness World Record certificate for Bart’s Bash at the London Boat Show on Wednesday morning.

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation were awarded the title for the Largest Sailing Race in 24 hours (multiple venues) after 9,484 boats took to the water in 237 locations across the globe in Bart’s Bash.

The event, which took place in September last year, raised a staggering £366,391 for the charity, with funds being reinvested to help youngsters get into the sport.

Speaking about the achievement, Ainslie said: “It’s a real pleasure to accept this certificate on behalf of the Foundation. No one could have imagined how big the event would become.

“Initially we weren’t sure if we would make our target of 2,500 boats on the water. In fact it was nearly, 10,000.

“It is a real reflection of how much Bart meant to people across the world and how sailing can unite people.”

The charity was founded in memory of Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson who died during an America’s Cup accident in 2013.

Guinness World Records president Alistair Richards said: “It is a great honour to officially recognise the record title for Largest Sailing Race in 24 hours (multiple venues) achieved by Bart’s Bash, organised by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.

“It is a testament to Andrew’s popularity and enduring legacy. The work the foundation does is a brilliant and fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the sport he loved and always encouraged others to apply the same dedication in order to reach their potential.”

 

Image: CWM FX