This year’s 50th anniversary is about so much more than a boat. Together, we will celebrate dedicated sailors and supporters filled with passion for this small sailboat that started out simply as Ian Bruce’s idea to create a “car topper” dinghy. From this moment of inspiration and a subsequent call to friend Bruce Kirby, who famously sketched the boat’s lines and sail plan on a notepad, came the greatest sailboat in the history of one-design racing.

Sailors all over the world are gearing up for a celebration which culminates with a world-wide sailing event on 11 th or 12 th September 2021. Together, with the Andrew Simpson Foundation, we invite everyone to participate in Bart’s Bash which is already the world’s largest sailing event connecting sailing communities all over the world in their mission to transform lives through sailing. It probably comes as no surprise that the ILCA / laser is already the largest fleet in Bart’s Bash and we hope this year’s entry will hit new records.

Bart’s Bash is a natural choice as they have the infrastructure, know-how and experience to run a global sailing event. More importantly, Bart and so many of those directly connected to the Andrew Simpson Foundation have a true heritage of sailing and achieving success in the class. Results will be published by rig and country as well as overall results for all classes.

“The International Laser Class Association was a key stepping-stone in my sailing career and period of my life when I formed many lifelong friendships, experiences and memories whilst ILCA racing (as we now call the laser). As a celebration for all those who sail the boat from the casual novice sailor to the Olympian, I am thrilled that the 50th Anniversary of the International Laser Class Association looks to mark the occasion by encouraging participation in Bart’s Bash, the Andrew Simpson Foundation’s flagship sailing event inspired by Bart himself, a great friend and Sailor. Underpinned by an ethos of “sailing for all”, what better way to mark the occasion than to join forces in connecting sailing communities all over the world in the Foundation’s mission to transform lives through sailing”

Sir Ben Ainslie CBE, Andrew Simpson Foundation Founding Trustee

This is very much an opportunity for sailors to compete at their home clubs, racing friends and family. Whilst not compulsory, we would encourage fund raising be included within your activities; be it an entry fee, personal donation or good old-fashioned sponsorship. Ideally, all funds raised will be for the Andrew Simpson Foundation which continues to expand its activities both within and outside the UK. Some may prefer to support other charities which is also encouraged – the 50th anniversary is about participation and celebrating the world’s most successful Class.

Even if you cannot enter Bart’s Bash, we hope you will find an opportunity to get involved by sailing your boat with family and friends wherever you are.

To support the events, ILCA has launched a website dedicated to helping groups facilitate planning and implementation, and for sailors to share stories and pictures of their own great moments and memories. Sailors will be able to register on the site and keep updated on all the world-wide ILCA 50th anniversary news.

Want to learn more? Go to http://www.ilca50.com/

To enter Bart’s Bash, go to https://bartsbash.com/sign-up/ilca

To register your sailing club, go to https://www.bartsbash.com/sign-up/venue