Gipsy Moth at National Maritime Museum

by National Maritime Museum on 7 Jul 2006 One of Britain’s most famous yachts, Gipsy Moth IV, will be open for inspection at the National Maritime Museum on the weekend of 14-16 July.

Sir Francis Chichester (then 65 years old) made headlines in 1967 when he sailed the 53-foot timber ketch single-handedly around the world.

Chichester set out from Plymouth, England in 1966 racing against the old clipper ships’ time of 123 days for the voyage to Australia.

He arrived in Sydney in 107 days and, after a short rest, sailed home to England completing the entire voyage around the globe in 274 sailing days.
Gipsy Moth IV, now owned and managed by the UK Sailing Academy (UKSA), has been restored and is now completing a second world circumnavigation.

On Sunday (9 July) the yacht will be welcomed into Sydney Harbour by a flotilla of yachts and pleasure craft.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of the UKSA, will visit the museum on Thursday 13 July. She will unveil a small plaque in the museum to commemorate the occasion and then go for a sail on board Gipsy Moth IV.

Gipsy Moth IV will be open to the public from Friday to Sunday (14-16 July) and staff from the UKSA will be on board with crew and volunteers to answer questions.

The museum will also display a small collection of Francis Chichester and Gipsy Moth IV memorabilia including clothing, diaries and personal items from the original voyage. The showcase will be on display until 27 September 2006.
Admission to Gipsy Moth IV is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going towards the Gipsy Moth IV fund. Entry to the museum’s exhibitions, including the Chichester showcase and Clipper Ships – Greyhounds of the Sea, is free.

The National Maritime Museum, at Darling Harbour, is open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm. All inquiries, (02) 9298 3777.