The Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson memorial fundraiser from the British Finn Class

 

The British Finn Association has now posted online details of the Bart Simpson memorial shirts and caps it is elling to raise funds for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. The full details are at : http://www.finnuk.org.uk/news/232-the-bfa-andrew-bart-simpson-memorial-fundraiser

John Heyes write:

I am sure all Finn sailors will be aware of the up-coming Bart’s Bash! being run in aid of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation on the 21st September. This global sailing race and fundraising event has been designed to join together thousands of sailors worldwide in a race to set a new Guinness World Record, raise money for the Foundation, inspire the next generation and to remember Bart - a great Finn sailor, friend and inspiration to many British Finn Association members.

If you haven’t already done so, we do urge you to sign up at www.bartsbash.co.uk/login-select and enter the race at your local club to support the event.

The BFA Committee has been considering how we can best support the event and rather than try to create a national Finn race that might conflict with existing local races, it was decided to support the Foundation directly by raising funds from the sale of an exclusive Bart Simpson memorial shirt and cap, featuring Bart’s personal Finn sail number GBR 6. As with Bart’s great mate Ben Ainslie who has now made his Finn sail number an integral part of his America’s Cup brand, we thought it best to honour Bart’s memory and mark his time as one of Britain’s top Finn sailors by withdrawing the personal sail number from further use by members in the same way GBR 3 is now permanently reserved for Ben. The only time the BFA would release the GBR 6 number in the future would be if either of Bart’s sons; Freddie or Hamish ever takes up the Finn. The Committee would like to thank Dave Walker for kindly agreeing to give up the use of PN 6 for this worthy cause.

The striking high quality shirt and cap design features the Finn waves, Bart’s sail number and records his two highest achievements in the class - a Silver medal at the 2001 Europeans and Bronze at the 2003 Gold Cup, when both Ben and Bart shared the podium in Cadiz. All profits from the sale of the clothing will be going to the Foundation, who have officially licensed and fully authorised the project. Each shirt sale will create a sizeable donation to the Foundation that seeks to transform the lives of young people through sailing. The Foundation is now running the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre at Weymouth & Portland Academy, where they seek to inspire the next generation of racers with Andrew’s drive and determination. We hope to work more with the ASSF in the future and to create a junior Finnfinder scheme to support up and coming young Finn sailors in Bart’s memory.

Please order your Bart Simpson memorial shirt and cap by using the order form and persuade other club members to order one too and have the combined order shipped direct to your club. We do need payment in advance and delivery should be around two / three weeks from the date we order, as all items will be made to order. You don’t have to be a Finn sailor to buy, we want to raise as much money as we can for the Foundation and to remember Andrew as one of the most friendly, inspirational and helpful sailors to ever sail under the British flag.

 

 

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