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Gipsy Moth IV returns to Greenwich
Rededication by HRH The Princess Royal - 07 September '05
Londoners will be treated to an impressive sight on Wednesday 7th September, when Sir Francis Chichester’s famous vessel Gipsy Moth IV returns to Greenwich for the first time since she left the capital aboard a lorry last November.
For nearly 40 years, Gipsy Moth IV sat in concrete dry dock at Greenwich, but on 17th November last year she was sold by The Maritime Trust, for a £1 and a Gin & Tonic, to the United Kingdom Sailing Academy who have waged a relentless campaign to raise the money for an extensive restoration in order to get the vessel back on the water and sailing again.
On Wednesday 7th September, Gipsy Moth IV, back to her former glory, and close to the hearts of many Greenwich residents, will sail up the Thames and berth alongside the Cutty Sark pontoon at 12 noon. Skipper Richard Baggett of UKSA will be joined by an impressive crew including Olympic gold medallist and London 2012 campaigner, Shirley Robertson, together with a member of Sir Francis Chichester’s family and some young people who have won competitions connected with the history of the Gipsy Moth IV project.
At 1.00pm, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, will visit Gipsy Moth IV and meet young people from Peckham, Scarborough and the Isle of Wight who are involved with the project, some of whom will sail on a leg of the vessel’s second global circumnavigation which departs from Plymouth on 25th September. The Princess will re-dedicate Gipsy Moth IV before the yacht is blessed by The Dean of Chichester, who has strong links with Gipsy Moth IV’s history.
Her Royal Highness, who re-commissioned Gipsy Moth IV for active service at the Festival of the Sea in June, will view the satellite communications equipment installed in preparation for the voyage. The equipment is crucial for the educational aspect of the voyage as it will offer young people a window on the world and provide a medium for young people to communicate across cultures. A sextant will be donated by The Maritime Trust and chronograph for the voyage provided by Corum Swiss Timepieces, the project’s official timekeeper, both crucial for the navigation of the vessel using traditional techniques.
A Gypsy Moth bi-plane representing Sir Francis Chichester’s aviation history, will be situated in front of The Cutty Sark. Members of the public will be able to view the very plane that flew out to meet Chichester as he completed his record breaking circumnavigation in 1967.
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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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