Bart’s Bash sailing into town
There’s a feast of waterborne action headed Waitara’s way in the upcoming months, with a bash for Bart on the cards.
Saturday September 17 will see Bart’s Bash, a regatta celebrated around the world on the same day.
Wayne Holdt, of the Waitara Boating Club, says the Bash is to remember Andrew ‘‘Bart’’ Simpson, a British sailor who died in 2013 while training for the America’s Cup when his boat capsized.
‘‘It’s a day when clubs all over the world hold a regatta in his honour,’’ Wayne says.
The Waitara Boating Club will mostly be represented at the local regatta by Sailability Taranaki, an offshoot of the club that concerns itself with giving people with disabilities a chance to experience sailing and boating. Fundraising is an essential component of this global event, with proceeds going to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.
Tidal conditions will determine when the Bash begins at West Beach in Waitara on the day. ‘‘To be honest, we don’t quite know yet when we’ll kick off on the day,’’ Wayne laughs. ‘‘It’s very much up to the wind and tide when we get can get on the water, but when we do it should be a great day’s sailing.’’
Bart’s Bash will be held on September 17 at the Waitara Boating Club HQ at West Beach.