A YACHT club helped to break the record for the largest sailing race in memory of an Olympic sailor.

Brighton Marina Yacht Club was one of hundreds of groups from at least 50 countries across the world to support Bart's Bash. The contest honoured Olympic medallist Andrew “Bart” Simpson, who died when his catamaran capsized during a training session in San Francisco Bay last year.

The event took place in September but the results of thousands of vessels, taking part at hundreds of clubs across the world, have now been verified to confirm the Guinness World Record for the largest sailing race in 24 hours took place.

The club's top sailor was Duncan MacDonald and the group raised at least £1,000, with its event leader Rob Mclean named as the top fundraiser with at least £200 of sponsorship. The club came 53rd in a league table for the clubs which raised the most for the event - contributing to more than £292,200 raised in total towards the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, a charity which aims to encourage and support young sailors.

In order to break the record, at least 2,500 vessels sailing in regattas including at least 25 boats had to travel a minimum distance of a kilometre and be on the water for more than 15 minutes.

Due to its success the charity has decided to make the race an annual event and the next one will take place on September 20, 2015.

Club member Mr Mclean said: “We were delighted to take part. It was really exciting and an enjoyable race. It was a great achievement to raise so much money and we were please to take part in memory of Andrew Simpson, who was a great sailor.”

To donate £5 by text, send 'BART76£5' to 70070.