2024 marked the 11th edition of the flagship fundraising race, Bart’s Bash – which saw thousands of sailors take part at different sailing clubs from across the globe.
Bart’s Bash is a truly unique event, which sees a complete mix in abilities, ages, and experience compete against not only those on the same start line, but those from all corners of the world. And this year was no different, with beginners to Olympians and everyone in-between taking part.
And for us, our 4 not-for-profit watersports centres all took part hosting their own unique events, where we saw over 350 sailors hit the water.
Portland
On the site of WPNSA, our Portland centre saw over 100 sailors compete, including our CEO Richard Percy who was joined afloat by his son.
Double Olympic medallist Simon Hiscocks also was taking part and said:
“Everyone’s on the same start line in any number of craft, everyone’s welcome you can be an Olympic champion or just on your first steps on a boat, and I think that has got a unique blend which we should support.”
Post event saw the annual after party take place, this time at Portland Marina’s The Kitchen, where DJ Pete Healy helped us dance the night away.
Portsmouth
Our Portsmouth Centre was also joined by Olympians, straight from Paris 2024 to the shores of Langstone Harbour saw Team GB rower Callum Dixon and Team GB/British Sailing Team’s Saskia Tidey compete in an RS Quest:
“We had a great time in what was my first race in four years since I started rowing, we thought it was amazing to see so many young people out of the water, enjoying sailing.”
A burger van and raffle followed, in what was fantastic sunny conditions, where members of Tudor Sailing Club joined the mixed fleet which even featured Windsurfers.
Reading
In Reading, two races took place, with 12 Optimists heading out first. This was then followed by the club race where members from across Burghfield Sailing Club and ASC Reading competed in a unique course with Nick Craig coming out on top.
Burghfield Sailing Club’s Vice Commodore Mark Sollars said:
“Bart’s Bash is always an important day for Burghfield Sailing Club as Andrew used to sail here back when he was at school, so we’re always glad to support the event. Today’s race was a good race for some, albeit not for me, there was a nice breeze, the sun was out, and we saw a good mix of youth and age on the course.”
Birmingham
In Birmingham, the weather may have been miserable, but spirits were high as 35 boats and one fearless windsurfer braved the drizzle to compete in Bart’s Bash 2024.
The ASC Birmingham team were thrilled to see a younger cohort join our regulars from Bartley Sailing Club on the water this year, with Youth Sailing Club sailors, as well as ASC Birmingham’s Wavemakers cohort, represented in the race.
With drinks flowing from Tilly’s Galley bar and cafe, and the weather brightening up just in time, the afternoon’s raffle and prize-giving marked the end of a fantastic event. Reflecting on the day, Sales & Comms Coordinator Alice Emberton said of her first Bart’s Bash,
“It was incredible to see all the sailors out on the water, many of whom first learned to sail at our Centre. We are so proud to continue Andrew Simpson’s legacy by supporting a new generation of sailors, and would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Bartley Sailing Club for their support and engagement on the day”
We hope you all had a great day’s racing for the 11th edition of Bart’s Bash.
So far, we’ve raised just over £8,800 from this year’s event, donations are still open at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bartsbash2024
