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Weather Favours GMIV Recovery Plan
Wednesday 3rd May 2006 16.00 hrs [ updating on the previous press statement of 19.00 hrs Tuesday 2nd May 2006 ].
Since the report yesterday, there have been several developments regarding the recovery operation for Gipsy Moth IV.
Local expert Bruno Videau, whose team has been on site assessing the situation, has recommended the vessel be lifted whilst repairs to make her watertight are conducted. A substantial ‘skid’ would also be constructed beneath the hull to prevent further damage while the yacht is moved to deep water. Captain Kleijwegt of SMIT Salvage will soon be on site to add the weight of his considerable expertise to the safe recovery of Gipsy Moth IV.
The French Navy has offered assistance by providing a relief tug to authorities in Tahiti, allowing a tug with 40 tonnes of pulling power to be dispatched from the Island. The tug is 15 hours steaming time away from Rangiroa Atoll and its arrival at the scene will be carefully coordinated to coincide with the completion of the preparatory works to the boat. When the time is right the vessel will be moved into deep water and a tow will be effected hopefully to take the boat to Tahiti for further repairs. Time continues to be a critical element in this rescue operation in preventing further damage to the hull. It is anticipated that attempts to move the vessel will begin in the next couple of days.
Despite rumours of tropical storms threatening the rescue attempts of the vessel, the forecast remains fair for the next 10 days with reducing wind and swells. The project’s official meteorologist, Dr Andrew Eccleston from the University of Plymouth’s School of Earth Ocean and Environmental Sciences who is a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological society, a Chartered Meteorologist and a Member of the Nautical Institute says;
“Gipsy Moth IV is aground at the North West corner of the Rangiroa Atoll and it is very important that the weather stays quiet over the next few days whilst the recovery operation is completed. The good news is that the easterly breeze of 10-15 knots should ease off gradually, so the waves caused by the wind will be very small. As is often the case, the swell is coming from a different direction to the wind, and for the next few days it is forecast to be mainly from the south and between 1-2 metres in height. As Gipsy Moth is on the north side of the Atoll this means that she should get some protection.”
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
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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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