High Peak sailors hope to break world record

Crews from Combs, Errwood and Glossop clubs will be taking to the water for Bart’s Bash, a global bid to get the most people taking part in a sailing race at any one time.

The event will mark the life of the gold medallist, who died in an America’s Cup training accident last year.

Alex Novacki, of Errwood Sailing Club, said: “I’m mindful that this guy put a lot of effort in, and inspired a lot of kids. His death was a tragic accident and we don’t want it to be a waste.”

The social secretary, who will form part of the team hoping to make history, added: “There’s so much excitement about the attempt at the club.”

Approximately fifty members from the Sandy Lane club, near Buxton, will be take part by racing on Errwood Reservoir. Participants are asked to make a suggested donation of £5 to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, who have pioneered the inaugural challenge.

More than 550 venues in over 50 countries around the world have signed up to take part so far.

Race details are set by each club, but to meet the world record rules, courses will be at least one kilometre long.