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Island companies get behind Gipsy Moth restoration - February '05
IOW based companies show their support for the UKSA’s latest and most famous acquisition
Gipsy Moth IV, one of the most famous boats in Britain’s maritime history, is being restored to her former glory and I.O.W. companies have been quick to show their support towards the substantial sum the project needs. The yacht’s new owners, Cowes based UK Sailing Academy – Britain’s foremost sail training establishment – are overseeing the restoration and kick started the fund raising with their own injection of £40,000. Now some of the great and good connected with the Island’s leisure marine industry have followed. The list is growing weekly but currently includes Beken of Cowes, SP Systems, Cowes Yacht Haven, Spencer Rigging, Benzie of Cowes, Marriott Design, matrixebusiness.com and both the RYS and RLYC yacht clubs. All have either made a cash or equivalent (such as equipment) donation or agreed to do a specific fund raising initiative of their own.
Gipsy Moth IV is the 54ft sailing ketch that the then 64 year-old Francis Chichester sailed around the world between August 1966 and May 1967. The voyage was the first solo, one-stop circumnavigation of the world. Knighted on his return, his extraordinary achievement placed Sir Francis amongst the illustrious elite of sailing’s hall of fame.
30 years in dry dock, on display in London, took their toll on the famous yacht and she was literally rotting away until Yachting Monthly magazine started their ‘save Gipsy Moth campaign’.
The UKSA have established a restoration fund with a target of £1 million, which they believe is necessary, not just to complete the restoration and refit, but to relaunch the yacht and sail her around the world again to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sir Francis’s epic 29,630 voyage. After retracing this record-making endeavour, Gipsy Moth will be based in Cowes and UKSA will provide the opportunity for young people to sail her with the intention that they gain some of the spirit of adventure exemplified by Sir Francis. As a national treasure the Academy will ensure there is a high level of public access to the yacht, so that future generations can share in this memorable part of British sailing history.
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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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