Bart’s Bash 2017: Raising funds for storm victims
Published on September 10th, 2017
Bart’s Bash, launched in 2014, is the world’s largest sailing event that is 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.
While the mission of Bart’s Bash is to increase international awareness of participation in sailing, it also seeks to raise funds for the Andrew Simpson Foundation to help offer support.
As there were a number of sailing and yacht clubs in the Caribbean that have been affected by Hurricane Irma have taken part in Bart’s Bash in previous years, and had planned to hold an event during the 2017 Bart’s Bash on September 16-17, the monies this year will be coming to their rescue.
The Andrew Simpson Foundation has pledged to use the funds raised from the 2017 Bart’s Bash to help those affected eventually rebuild their community sailing projects, allowing them to continue to deliver grassroots sailing programmes to young people.
“The news and images from the Caribbean are simply horrific and the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma has been something none of us has ever witnessed on this scale,” said Founding Trustee Iain Percy. “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected. As a Foundation we are keen to contribute some practical help through our global Bart’s Bash fundraising and participation initiative.”
The funds raised will be distributed via Member National Associations (MNA’s) of World Sailing to areas affected.