Staying Focused
Thursday 4th May 2006 10.00 hrs [ updating on the previous press statement of 19.00 hrs Tuesday 2nd May 2006 ].
There has been some recent speculation on the cause of the events that resulted in Gipsy Moth’s recent grounding the South Pacific. As with many marine incidents it is likely that a number of factors will have contributed.
It goes without saying that the UKSA takes this matter extremely seriously, carrying with it as it does, the well-being of such a famous yacht as well as the hopes and aspirations of the young people we have sought to help by way of this project.
We are determined to establish the facts, to gain a full appreciation of the events and decisions leading to the incident and to see what lessons can be learned. To do this rigorously and objectively we will need to interview the mate, the crew leader, the young people aboard and the skipper, who returns to the UK later this week.
Communications have been very difficult, in particular near the boat where the skipper has spent much of her time safeguarding the vessel, and until we get all the information back, including the logbook, charts and skipper’s log it would be inappropriate to speculate on the possible causes.
The UKSA has promised a rigorous inquiry and our appointed panel of experts, including a former specialist navigator from the Royal Navy who is also a Yachtmaster Ocean Examiner, will seek to ascertain all the facts of the matter. We will make our findings known to all relevant parties as soon as the inquiry is concluded - hopefully sometime next week.
In the meantime our attention continues to be focused on the safe rescue of Gipsy Moth.
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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