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Grant Dalton and Emirates Team New Zealand come to the assistance of Gipsy Moth IV
Tuesday 16th May
Gipsy Moth IV’s ongoing rescue and repair operation is progressing extremely well and the latest offer of support is certainly going to help get Gipsy Moth IV back on track for her celebratory global circumnavigation in time for her Royal engagements in Sydney in July.
In a surprise twist to the Gipsy Moth IV story, Grant Dalton and America’s Cup Emirates Team New Zealand have come to the yacht’s rescue in Auckland, offering their full support for the refit programme.
Emirates Team New Zealand, on Grant’s instructions, have cleared two of their racing boats from one of the America’s Cup sheds to house Gipsy Moth IV free of charge. They have also offered the Gipsy Moth IV Team office facilities, power, light, lift-out facilities, RIB use and assistance where possible from the Team. Grant Dalton is a keen circumnavigator himself and as soon as he heard that it was Gipsy Moth IV that was heading towards Auckland and was in need of assistance, his offer of support for the Project was immediate.
In another twist of fate, James Blake, son of one of the New Zealand America’s Cup Team’s founding fathers, Sir Peter Blake is due to sail out of Auckland on Gipsy Moth on the leg to Sydney adding an even greater focus to the need to get the boat ready on time. Emirates Team New Zealand are no strangers to tight deadlines and challenging odds and it is the Gipsy Moth Team’s belief that they could not have found a better yard to host the restoration works in Auckland.
When asked to comment on the involvement of Emirates Team New Zealand, David Green, the Global Project Manager for Gipsy Moth IV said:
“The project’s current motto is ‘where there is a will there is a way’ and with Emirates Team New Zealand behind us our chances of making our deadlines have significantly increased. The Team have huge support in their country and it is a very powerful mark of respect that they have so readily come to our assistance. Our thanks go out to all the team members, especially Grant Dalton, and we wish them every success in their coming events."
Gipsy Moth IV is due to arrive in Auckland by ship on 22nd May and repair works will start shortly afterwards. There is a new rescue fund that has been set-up on www.gipsymoth.org and donations and offers of equipment and services are flooding in all the time.
Further information
David Green - CEO UKSA
07970 628439
dgreen@uksa.org
Anna Symcox - PR Manager
07709 485674
anna.symcox@uksa.org
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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 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 Dame Ellen MacArthur, Nick Moloney and Shirley Robertson OBE are their Ambassadors.
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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