Latest news on Gipsy Moth IV
by Yachting Monthly & Sail-World on 3 May 2006
Gypsy Moth position chart Yachting Monthly
Francis Chichester made his name when he flew solo around the world in Gipsey Moth biplane in 1929 and he continue to break world flying records right up until 1960.
In 1967 Chichester completed his single-handed trip around the globe onboard Gipsy Moth IV in 1967.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II soon thereafter.
His boat was never sailed again after returning home but took up her concrete dry dock in Greenwich next to The Cutty Sark, only to leave it briefly for some restorative work in 1997.
After nearly 40 years in dry dock, the weather and lack of funds had left her in a sad state of repair.
The yacht underwent extensive restoration in Gosport, Hampshire, before setting out in September 2005 out to recreate a 40-year-old global circumnavigation - with three young novice sailors helping crew the legendary vessel.
The boat hit a reef off Rangiroa, the largest island in the Tuomotos group, on Saturday. The low lying islands are some 150 miles east of Tahiti.
Gipsy Moth IV remains stable and secure aground, lying to starboard a short distance from deep water. She has sustained some damage to her starboard side, amidships, but remains structurally sound. The weather remains fair with a low swell and the forecast is good at this time.
The young crew members are still in good spirits and are now in Tahiti with the crew leader, awaiting their flight back to the UK. The skipper and mate are remaining with the vessel awaiting the arrival of an experienced Tahiti based marine salvage company who were due to be with the yacht by mid-day (Tahiti time).
Also en-route is an expert in yacht salvage from the SMIT Salvage Company in Rotterdam who specialise in recoveries of this nature and they will be joined by a team from UKSA who are flying from the UK. When the experts reach the scene and assess the situation an accurate recovery schedule can be confirmed.
David Green, CEO UKSA says, 'We are fully committed to supplying all necessary resources needed to aid the recovery of the vessel. In true 'Chichester Spirit' we will rise to the new challenges that the Global Voyage is presenting. We would like to thank our friends and project partners who are supporting us through this testing time.'
www.yachtingmonthly.com
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/23546