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Plymouth Gin joins Gipsy Moth IV sponsors
Famous brand of gin becomes latest high profile organisation to get behind the restoration of equally famous yacht
Plymouth Gin has become the latest high profile organisation to provide sponsorship towards the restoration and refit of Gipsy Moth IV, the 54ft sailing ketch that Francis Chichester, at 64, sailed around the world between August 1966 and May 1967. Knighted on his return, Chichester’s voyage made maritime history breaking several records including the first solo, one-stop circumnavigation of the world. Now under the care of new owners, the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA), the yacht is being restored to her former glory.
It’s quite fitting that Plymouth Gin should come forward with its support – the yacht was purchased by the UKSA from previous custodians, The Maritime Trust, for ‘£1 and a Gin & Tonic’. Plymouth was the home port that Sir Francis sailed to, receiving a hero’s welcome on his return from the epic 29,630-milevoyage, with crowds of over 250,000 people there to greet him. And when asked on his return what was the lowest point of his 226 days at sea, his unequivocal response was “when the gin ran out”.
This famous brand of gin was first distilled in 1793 and Black Friars Distillery, located in the centre of the historic port city of Plymouth, is now the oldest working gin distillery in England.
Plymouth Gin will be the principal drinks sponsor, helping to host the numerous fund raising events that the UKSA is coordinating, as it aims to reach its target of a £1 million restoration fund; the amount the Academy believes is necessary, not just to complete the restoration and refit, but to secure the yacht’s future for generations to come.
After the restoration of Gipsy Moth IV, UKSA will relaunch the yacht and sail her around the world again, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the voyage. Plymouth Gin will host the send-off party, in Plymouth of course, scheduled for October this year, when a fully crewed Gipsy Moth IV will set sail again to retrace Sir Francis’s record-making endeavour.
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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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