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“Best charts in world” for Gipsy Moth IV’s Global Voyage

On its second global voyage on September 25, the Gipsy Moth IV, will set sail furnished with around 400 navigational charts supplied by the UK Hydrographic Office.  The boat officially opens the International Boat Show at Southampton ahead of its two-year odyssey, and after 12,000 hours of professional shipwright work to get it seaworthy, epitomises many yachtsmen’s dream of adventure and challenging the elements.   

The craft which first sailed around the world in 1966 skippered by the adventurer, Sir Francis Chichester, will be taking on board at different legs on its journey some 90 young people chosen from across the UK for their tenacity and determination to achieve in the style of the Gipsy Moth’s first owner, Sir Francis.   

The encouragement of these young high achievers, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, comes from the driving force behind Gipsy Moth - David Green, head of the UK Sailing Academy, says Dewi Thomas, Global Voyage Co-ordinator.

“David combined energy, drive, passion and belief to push through the refurbishment project –  and our philosophy is that success is achievable to anyone who believes, regardless of where they start from. 

To succeed and to achieve, we need to get the best support we can – and the UK Hydrographic Office navigational charts are the best in the world,” Mr Thomas said.

“All chart products I know – including the latest digital ones, use the information from UKHO Charts as their main source for navigational accuracy.”

UKHO Admiralty Leisure Division’s Vikkie Pow handed David Green a set of Admiralty folios ahead of Gipsy Moth’s official opening of SIBS 2005.

The UKHO produces a worldwide series of some 3,300 paper navigational charts and 220 publications, sold through a global network of agents. Over £50 million worth of charts leave Taunton every year and nearly 70% of world shipping relies on Admiralty charts.

 

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NOTE TO MEDIA

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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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