Gipsy Moth V - Salvaged items bring back memories

by Media Services on 15 Jun 2007 Gipsy Moth V, was the last yacht of Sir Francis Chichester (1901 - 1972), the pioneer aviator, gold prospector, adventurer, navigator, real estate promoter, publisher, author and racing enthusiast.

Chichester gained worldwide fame in the summer of 1967 when he completed an around-the-world solo trip in his yacht, the 'Gipsy Moth IV'.

His voyage set a new world circumnavigation record of 274 days for this arduous 28,500-mile journey. After the historic voyage Chichester was not at all kind to his yacht saying, 'Gipsy Moth IV has no sentimental value for me at all. She is cantankerous and difficult and needs a crew of three, a man to navigate, an elephant to move the tiller and a 3'6' (1.1m) chimpanzee with arms 8' (2.4m) long to get about below and work some of the gear.'

Sir Francis Chichester later built Gipsy Moth V whom himself described as a most beautiful boat.

While sailing Gipsy Moth V in the 1972 Trans Atlantic race Chichester, weakened by cancer near his spine, had to abandon the race.

Chichester was airlifted home while son, Giles, sailed the Gipsy Moth V back. Two months later Chichester passed away. There was no mistaking the spirit of adventure and determination of Sir Francis Chichester.

Gipsy Moth V continued on sailing in races such as the Round Britain and East to West Trans Atlantic.

In 1982 she was chartered for the first Around Alone race. Lone sailor Desmond Hampton, who had chartered her from the Chichester family, ran Gipsy Moth V aground just off Australia’s southeastern coast, on Gabo Island, just north of Bass Strait after failing to wake from a nap.

One of the lighthouse keepers was amazed to receive a May-Day signal coming less than 200 metres from the lighthouse where the Gipsy Moth V ran aground.

When he found out whose boat it was it added to his shock.

Hampton knew Gipsy Moth V was doomed so he was determined to salvage what gear he could.

Hampton along with locals and lighthouse keepers salvaged everything except the masts and engine, leaving the Gipsy Moth V to the mercy of the seas and wind.

Twenty five years later Items salvaged from the Gipsy Moth V have now surfaced in regional Victoria. The Gipsy Moth V collection includes a never before seen series of photos from the May-Day call, the wreckage, the salvage and the sinking of the Gipsy Moth V, show the beauty and tragic loss of the yacht.