500th club signs up to Andrew Simpson race

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation announced on Monday that more than 500 clubs have now signed up to their race in memory of the Olympic sailor. Organisers of Bart's Bash are attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the largest sailing event in the world. The Point Yacht Club in Durban, South Africa, was the 500th club to sign up. The event will see hundreds of sailing clubs host simultaneous races later this year on 21 September. Trustee Sir Ben Ainslie said: "The 500th club announcement is a significant milestone as we continue to work on the preparations for this colossal event. "Andrew was a true inspiration for those who knew him and those who competed against him; we hope a touch of that magic is reflected in Bart's Bash, inspiring all sailors across the globe." 36-year-old Simpson lost his life during training for last year's America's Cup in San Francisco.