Kiwis beat the clock on Gipsy Moth IV

by Anna Symcox, UK sailing Academy on 22 Jun 2006 Against all odds the Kiwis have performed a miracle in getting Gipsy Moth IV ready in time to continue with her global voyage.

In an amazing combination of craftsmanship, determination, tenacity and resolve the team of experts working on Gipsy Moth’s refit have achieved what nobody thought was possible – to make her as good as new again!!

The standards of workmanship have been some of the best the Gipsy Moth Team has ever seen and bringing the refit in ahead of schedule and under budget means that more young people will get to sail on the boat in the months to come. In a gesture of thanks the UK Sailing Academy who are custodians of the vessel have offered three places to Kiwi youngsters to sail on subsequent legs of the voyage.

With masts stepped and initial sail trials underway there can be no doubt that the project is back on it’s feet again. After the setback in the Pacific the project owes its continuance to the willingness of the Kiwis to get stuck in and overcome the problems facing the voyage. The support that the marine industry in Auckland have provided has been incredible, with Emirates Team New Zealand leading the pack with the provision of their world class facilities to carry out the work. David Green the Global Project Manager and CEO of UKSA said:

'There was never any doubt in my mind as to where to conduct these repairs. The incredible reputation that the Kiwis have for boatbuilding and their 'can do attitude' made this a no brainer for us. I have to say that the Kiwis have exceeded all of our expectations and a lifetime of thanks will be owed by the future voyage participants who will now be able to go on to benefit from the Gipsy Moth experience.'

Due to the notoriously unreliable weather in the Tasman Sea at this time of year, the current plan is to ship Gipsy Moth IV as deck cargo to Sydney where a number of Royal engagements await her. Whilst this will be a disappointment to some who wanted to see Gipsy Moth IV sail the Tasman it has some significant benefits in offering a kinder passage to this grand old lady of the sea who has just undergone one of the major 'operations' of her life, and will ensure that the she is 'on time' for the celebrations in Sydney.

The Gipsy Moth team are indebted to Emirates Team New Zealand who accommodated this refit in their sheds, the three local boatyards who pooled their resources, the numerous suppliers who offered services and equipment at reduced rates, the project manager Bob Wilson who did an amazing job and NZ resident Chris Fewtrell and friends who pitched in to help the effort. New Zealand has earned its place in Gipsy Moth history and the generosity and spirit will not be forgotten.

For the most up to date information about the rescue operation and the repair plans visit www.gipsymoth.org where news is posted as it happens. Press releases and quotes from the young people involved and their parents can also be found in the press section.



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. www.uksa.org

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 Economic Partnership - Gipsy Moth IV Premier Partner
Gipsy Moth supported through the Inspire Project

The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership, is proud to support Gipsy Moth IV, as title sponsor under the banner of our ‘Inspire’ project. Gipsy Moth is carrying the new Isle of Wight branding around the world to promote the Isle of Wight as a top destination for business, tourism and lifestyle.

Through support from the Inspire project, 120 young Isle of Wight people will have the opportunity to attend a two day residential activity and sailing course at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy. During this course 15 young people will be selected to fly out and join Gipsy Moth as crew and sail her from one of her global destinations to the next, giving them the opportunity to visit places such as New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Bali, Phuket and many others.

Gipsy Moth is the ideal vehicle to promote the Isle of Wight as she epitomises the spirit of adventure that we have here on the Isle of Wight