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Gipsy Moth IV restoration underway - January '05
Famous yacht’s restoration project gets underway but new owner calls for more support
Gipsy Moth IV, one of the most famous boats in Britain’s maritime history, is now back at her original boatbuilders, Camper & Nicholsons in Gosport, and the desperately needed restoration is underway, with new owners the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) overseeing the project, in partnership with Yachting Monthly Magazine and former custodians, The Maritime Trust. Initial funding is in place with the UKSA having kick started the project with £40,000. But there is a long way to go and it will take over £300,000 to bring her back to her former glory, so that she can set sail again as part of the 40th anniversary of Sir Francis Chichester’s epic 29,630 milevoyage. Beyond that, UKSA believes it will need at least another £1 million to secure the yacht’s future for generations to come.
UKSA, a registered charity and Britain’s foremost sail training establishment, have wasted no time in devising innovative ways that organisations and the public can get behind this excellent initiative that has, without doubt, saved the yacht from completely rotting away – and what a loss that would have been.
In fund raising terms the year got off to a flying start with a Gipsy Moth IV stand at the 2005 London Boat Show in January at ExCeL, with the stand space donated by organisers National Boat Shows Ltd. In return for a donation, visitors to the stand had the chance to sit in the yacht’s actual cockpit seat, used by Sir Francis. Along with Henri Lloyd designed Gipsy Moth IV branded clothing sales, this generated no less than £6000 (during the show) towards the fund.
Much of the fund raising will centre on the new dedicated website set up by UKSA at www.gipsymoth.org. The website not only gives details about Sir Francis, his boat and the restoration project, but outlines all the opportunities available to get behind it. For example, Camper & Nicholsons, who are themselves undertaking the work as a charitable project, were the first to become a ‘Classic Platinum Partner’, now joined in this category by The British Marine Federation, Francis Chichester Ltd and Crusader Sails. Leading companies in the marine industry, including Brookes & Gatehouse, Henri Lloyd, SP Systems, Bainbridge, International Paints, EP Barrus, Sundog Eyewear, Aqua Marine, Broadblue Catamarans, Sweden Yachts and Ocean Safety, have signed up as ‘Technical Suppliers’, donating equipment and services worth over £150,000. In the final category of ‘Business Partners’, companies that have been quick to signal their support include The MCA, Plymouth Gin, The Moorings, Kelvin Hughes, Lester Aldridge, Nauticalia and Beken of Cowes.
UKSA have also started the ‘Gipsy Moth IV 1000 Club’, limited to 100 individuals or organisations that donate a minimum of £1000. Alan Taylor was the first to do so (making the donation in the name of the Ocean Cruising Club) and four others have now followed. However a more modest donation of £10 secures membership of The Official Supporters Club – with membership of the 1000 Club and the Supporters Club coming with a range of benefits.
David Green, Chief Executive of UKSA, said, “To realise all our ambitious plans for the long term future of the yacht, which will include the opportunity again for public access and the chance for young people to sail her, will take a huge amount of money.
“Although we’ve got off to a good start there is still a very long way to go, so we urge everyone that shares even a glimmer of the passion for adventure, so exemplified by Sir Francis, to help us raise all the funding needed and any donation, even £10, is extremely welcome.”
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NOTE TO MEDIA
For further press information, please contact:
Anna Symcox
PR Manager & PA to the CEO
United Kingdom Sailing Academy
Tel: +44 (0) 1983 203016
Fax: +44 (0) 1983 295938
Mob: +44 (0) 7709 485674
Email: anna.symcox@uksa.org
Web: www.uksa.org |
Susan Preston Davis
Global Media Co-ordinator
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 789111
Mobile: + 44(0) 7771 732007
Email: susan@mpr.eclipse.co.uk |
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United Kingdom Sailing Academy
UKSA is recognised as the world's leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non - profit making organisation supported by the Lister Trust. Based in West Cowes on the Isle of Wight it has superb, modern facilities with residential accommodation and operates a fleet of over 300 craft. UKSA provide a wide range of courses aimed at adults, young people and the disabled. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is Patron to the Academy and Ellen MacArthur is their Ambassador.
Yachting Monthly
Gipsy Moth IV's second world voyage celebrates the 100th birthday of leading marine publication Yachting Monthly magazine and the 40th anniversary of Sir Francis' celebrated single-handed voyage.
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership is the economic development agency for the Isle of Wight. Their unique position allows them to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors and ensure a coordinated approach in improving the Island's economy.
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