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Continued Support for Gipsy Moth IV
Tuesday 2nd May 2006 19.00 hrs [updating on the previous press statement of 17.00 hrs Monday 1st May 2006].
The Gipsy Moth IV project has been overwhelmed with the level of international support for the rescue mission for their yacht which is currently aground on a small reef on the north shore of the Island of Rangiroa in the South Pacific. Captain Kleijwegt, a specialist in marine recovery from global experts Smit in Rotterdam, with a keen interest in the project, is due to arrive in 12 hours, and will add to the team on the ground who are already assembled these include; Richard Baggett ( lead skipper for Gipsy Moth and refit manager arriving today ), John Jeffreys ( Yachtmaster Ocean and RYA Instructor ), Bruno Videau a local marine recovery expert and his two assessors, Paul Gelder Editor of Yachting Monthly and Group Captain Peter Seymour Rtd who is a Director of the Blue Water Rally. They are being assisted by all the locals under the direction of Felix the local Deputy Mayor who has offered assistance to the crew and considerable manpower and resources for the rescue effort.
The decisions and actions taken in the next few days will be crucial to the outcome of the rescue. There are numerous options for the recovery from the reef and a number of alternatives in terms of yards which could conduct the repair work. The local experts are currently conducting their assessment and their preliminary report will be completed in the next 6 hours. Further information will be released as soon as it is available.
Calls have been flooding in from well-wishers, sponsors and supporters all of whom are determined to see Gipsy Moth sailing again. Many of those involved in the original restoration have offered their services and are prepared to fly out to assist with the repairs. We have had a number of messages of support from the Chichester family reminding us of the challenges that faced Sir Francis and how he was able to overcome them with his determination, courage, tenacity and resolve. He was never deterred and the Gipsy Moth Team are determined that this setback will not become a show-stopper for this wonderful voyage for the young people involved. As one of the team members was heard to say today – where there is a will there is a way and there is no shortage of will from around the world to solve this current problem and get us on our way again. There have been so many challenges during the life of this project from getting Gipsy Moth IV out of the ground at Greenwich and raising the funds for her restoration to meeting the almost impossible deadlines of the event schedule and selecting the deserving young people from over 2,000 applicants, it is as if this is another part of the “Chichester Challenge” – all our focus is now on the matter of getting her fixed and back on track for her Voyage.
David Green ( CEO UKSA ).
Mobile: ( 07970 ) 628439.
Email: dgreen@uksa.org
UK Sailing Academy,
West Cowes,
Isle of Wight.
PO31 8EB.
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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 |
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United Kingdom Sailing Academy
UKSA is recognized as the world's leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non - profit making organization 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.
Corum Swiss Timepieces official time keeper for the Gipsy Moth IV Project
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