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Gala dinner raises big money for Gipsy Moth IV project - April '05
The great and good of Cowes dig deep to raise over £11000 at Gala Dinner held to support the Gipsy Moth IV restoration project
When United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) took ownership of Gipsy Moth IV late last year they might easily have been daunted by the enormous scale of the restoration needed to restore this famous yacht to ‘original’ condition, such was the advanced state of her deterioration. But undaunted they were and they set about raising the much needed funds, quickly embarking on a series of fund raising initiatives, the most recent being a Gala Dinner & Auction held at the Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes, on Friday 15 April 2005.
120 project sponsors and other guests enjoyed what seemed to be a whole succession of ‘highs’ during the evening beginning with the official announcement of Corum Swiss Timepieces as ‘Global Partner’, the first reveal of an exclusive range of limited edition Gipsy Moth IV jewellery, produced by Benzie of Cowes, and a preview of the specially commissioned new film about Sir Francis’s record making voyage and the whole restoration project.
A major highlight of the evening was an enthralling talk by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Sir Robin said that Sir Francis was one of Britain’s greatest explorers and adventurers but also someone who was a caring, warm-hearted man. Sir Robin also said that he was inspired by Chichester’s voyage to take on the challenge of being the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world.The culmination of this prestigious event was the auction conducted with inimitable style – and huge success – by Nick Bonham of Bonhams, one of the world’s leading auction houses. A total of 58 different items, mostly Gipsy Moth artefacts and memorabilia, came under the hammer after a great deal of fervent bidding and raising an extraordinary £11400 towards the fund raising drive. Notable bids included an original mizzen mast winch from Gipsy Moth IV that went for £1000, a watercolour painting of Gipsy Moth IV by Martyn Mackrill that reached £1600 and an original keel bolt from Gipsy Moth IV that went for £350.
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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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