THE organisers of Bart’s Bash, the tribute event to tragic Olympian Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, have revealed plans to make it the largest sporting event in the world.

More than 30,000 people worldwide hit the water for last year’s event, in honour of Simpson, who died when his boat capsized while training for the America’s Cup in May 2013.

The event raised £360,000 for the foundation set up by fellow Olympic stars Sir Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy, Simpson’s best friends.

Now plans are in place to make the event, already recognised as the largest sailing event in the world, the biggest sporting event on the planet.

A spokesman for Bart’s Bash said: “This is the second time the unique sailing event has taken place.

“Bart’s Bash was conceived in 2014 as a participation event in memory of Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson.

“It grew beyond all expectations and officially became the largest sailing race in the world, raising over £360,000 for the charity started in Bart’s name.

“This year the aim of the 2015 campaign is to increase participation even further across the world with the ultimate goal of becoming the world’s biggest sporting event.

“Any sailing clubs, community sailing programmes, sail training centres, yacht clubs, scout groups, sea cadets and even groups of sailors globally can hold a Bart’s Bash race.

“All Bart’s Bash participants are being encouraged to raise valuable funds for the foundation which is already undertaking a range of sustainable projects, using sailing to transform the lives of children and young people globally.”