YACHT clubs are gearing up to compete in the world's largest sailing race tomorrow.

Ten Sussex organisations will take part in the global fundraising event Bart's Bash in memory of Olympic sailor Andrew “Bart” Simpson.

They will join groups from around 50 countries in honour of the gold and silver medallist who died when his catamaran capsized during a training session in San Francisco Bay in 2013.

All boats and dinghies can take part.

Last year's debut event saw more than 9,000 vessels and 700 clubs taking part.

The event was awarded a Guinness World Record for the largest sailing race in 24 hours. It raised more than £360,000 for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, a charity which aims to encourage and support young sailors.

Brighton Marina Yacht Club, Sussex Yacht Club, Bexhill Sailing Club, Brighton Sailing Club, Chichester Yacht Club, Crawley Mariners Yacht Club, Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club, Lancing Sailing Club, Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club and West Wittering Sailing Club are all taking part.

Rob Mclean, organiser of the teams competing for Brighton Marina Yacht Club, is hoping to race his own boat Spider Pig.

He said: "This is a way of us doing what we normally do on a Sunday but commemorating a really nice guy and someone who was selfless and went out of his way to help others.

"This is a good chance to take part in a global world record attempt.

"He was extremely well known and well respected.

"We hope to get more people out on the water and to raise more money."

Last year his club's top sailor was Duncan MacDonald - who met and sailed with Andrew Simpson - and the group raised at least £1,000, with Mr Mclean named as the top fundraiser with £200 of sponsorship.

The club contributed to a total of more than £292,200 raised for the foundation.

To donate visit bartsbash.com.