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Success in the First Stage of the Rescue
Friday 5th May 2006 15.00 hrs [updating on the previous press statement of 16.00 hrs Thursday 4th May 2006].
The first part of the Gipsy Moth IV rescue operation has been a huge success. Captain Kleijwert and Richard Baggett, heading up the rescue operation have reported that Gipsy Moth IV is now watertight and all the necessary preparations have been made to move the yacht to deep water tomorrow.
The yacht was lifted using jacks and heavy lifting equipment, during this time planks and battens were used to make the vessel watertight. Sandbags were placed beneath the hull to protect it from the abrasive reef. A solid wooden ‘skid’ has been constructed by local craftsmen, this will be manoeuvred into place tomorrow prior to moving the yacht into deepwater on a series of ‘rails’.
The Voith Schneider tug has been dispatched from Tahiti and is expected to arrive on site at 12 noon (Pacific time). The weather and tides are looking extremely favourable for the duration of the rescue operation although as stated in yesterday’s report, the manoeuvring of the yacht into deepwater and the 24 hour passage to Tahiti present various risks.
Plans for the vessel’s repair are in hand and the team are in touch with a ship yard in Auckland who have the relevant facilities and skilled labourers required for the repair work.
The three voyage participants are now back in the UK with their families, they have spoken with senior UKSA staff and are said to be in very good spirits.
Kimberly Maudsley, aged 16 from Manchester said,
“I think the whole trip was a trip of a lifetime and I would do it again with Antonia and Brucey.I loved every single minute of it and I’m going to ask if I can sail on her again!”
Charlie Riley, aged 16 from the Isle of Wight said,
“The whole of the time I was there I felt safe and part of a family. I would do it again if I was given half a chance, it was a trip of a lifetime. I am definitely going to do more sailing, this has made me even more confident and determined to sail. I’m going into Marine Engineering as a career.”
Emmanuel Oladipo, aged 16 from Manchester said,
“I am so glad I was able to sail on Gipsy Moth, it was amazing, the best time of my life. Antonia and Brucey were so much fun to sail with, I hope our paths will cross again in the future.”
An internal investigation into how Gipsy Moth IV ran aground on the reef at Rangiroa is underway and the outcome will be released as soon as it is completed.
News updates are being added to the front page of the project’s website (www.gipsymoth.org) as they happen, so visit the site for the most up to date information on the rescue operation.
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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