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Disabled sailors get a boost from Bart’s Bash

26 May 2016

Bart’s Bash will focus on raising awareness and funds for disabled sailors

BART’S BASH: World Sailing, the governing body of the sport, has joined forces with the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, offering official support and promotion to Bart’s Bash which will this year focus on disabled sailing.

Launched in 2014, Bart’s Bash is the world’s largest sailing event run by sailing clubs, community sailing programmes, sail training centres, yacht clubs, scout groups, sea cadets and even groups of sailors, all around the world.

In 2016 Bart’s Bash will be raising awareness and funds to support disabled sailing globally and this year’s edition is scheduled for 17-18 September, falling at the same time as the conclusion of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Sailing Competition.

However, sailing will not be on the Tokyo 2020 programme after the International Paralympic Committee made a decision to remove the sport. Since then, World Sailing has been working closely with its members and the IPC to ensure reintroduction for 2024.

World Sailing chief executive, Andy Hunt, said, “World Sailing is working tirelessly to ensure sailing is returned into the Paralympic program of sports. Once the competition ends at Rio 2016, it is vital that World Sailing maintain the momentum for inclusion back into the Paralympic Games.”

“I, along with the rest of the World Sailing team, will be taking to the water this September as a show of support during the Paralympic Games,” he added.

Since its inception, Bart’s Bash has inspired thousands of new and seasoned sailors to participate in sailing whilst raising funds to improve the lives of young people around the world.

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation continues to encourage more people to get on the water and promote the benefits it brings people of all abilities.

Sir Ben Ainslie, trustee of the ASSF and skipper of America’s Cup team, Land Rover BAR, added: “People know how close the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation is to my heart, and it was fantastic to see so many people supporting the charity at the last Bart’s Bash.

“It’s really good to see World Sailing now getting behind the event, and let’s hope we can get even more people out on the water this year in memory of Bart.”

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via Boating Business | Disabled sailors get a boost from Bart’s Bash.