The final results are now in and we not only broke the Guinness World Record for most boats participating in a regatta, we crushed it. Worldwide that day, 16,870 boats participated, sailing a distance roughly equivalent to twice around the world. Arizona Yacht Club was one of more than 500 clubs participating. Bart’s Bash also raised more than $400,000 for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, which helps kids learn to sail.
We actually got 34 boats to the starting line for Bart’s Bash, named for Andrew “Bart” Simpson, who died during practice for the America’s Cup last year.
Were you there? Download the certificate on the right.
You’ll find the Bart’s Bash results here. After much research, I’ve figured out that the “speed” number you’ll see is meters/second multiplied by a “Bart’s Number,” a handicap number that bears little resemblance to anything else you’ll see anywhere else (but clearly penalizes multi-hulls). Click on an entrant’s name to see the detail. I’ve submitted all the required documentation so that now AYC will be part of the Guinness World Record for largest regatta. Many thanks to the 31 finishing boats and AYC race committee that made it happen!
Victor Felice helped organize the AYC Bash and shot the needed pictures and video. Candis and Jeff Middlebrook acted as the required witnesses. Victor and Mike Ferring struggled through the lengthy and complex Bart’s Bash and Guinness requirements. Dave Christensen thrashed through the scoring.
Mostly it was the crews and captains of 34 boats who made it happen.