A new sailing academy raised $450 to help nurture young sailing talent in memory of the late Olympic gold medal-winner Andrew “Bart” Simpson.

The annual commemorative weekend race for Mr Simpson, fondly known as “Bart”, who died in 2013, aged 36, during preparation for the America’s Cup, took place last weekend and was hosted by the Harrington Sound-based academy U Sail Bermuda.

The Bart’s Bash is held annually by groups of sailors globally and is dubbed “the world’s largest fun race”.

Mr Simpson won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and silver at the 2012 London Games.

After his death, the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation was set up in his honour with the aim of growing grass-roots participation in sailing and provide opportunities to deserving children.

Thomas Penruddocke, director of activities at U Sail Bermuda, which is recognised by the Royal Yachting Association, said: “I am absolutely delighted at the response. We had nine boats out and 17 participants in a fun race that raised $450.

“This goes into the new Next Generation Fund at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, keeping the donations in Bermuda to benefit young sailors as scholarships to keep them sailing and maybe even progressing towards an Olympic future.”

The annual worldwide weekend race took place in 32 countries, including Bermuda, at 2,063 venues globally.

Olympic sailors including Peter Bromby, Penny Simmons and Malcolm Smith used to practise on Harrington Sound and their success inspired the creation of U Sail Bermuda.

The centre offers sailboat hire, windsurfing equipment, foiling waszps and paddle board services, and students can take RYA-certified courses.

One of the participants said: “Bart’s Bash was fun for all and the participants had a blast.”