Gipsy Moth IV finds new owners

0


[ad_1]

Gipsy Moth IV, the legendary ketch who took Sir Francis Chichester around the world in 1966-67, has been sold to new owners and will move to Guernsey

Gipsy Moth IV was bought by two businessmen and will move from Hampshire to the Channel Islands.

The 53-foot ketch, which sailed Sir Francis Chichester around the world in 1966-67, was previously owned and operated by the Gipsy Moth Trust.

The charity closed earlier this year due to a lack of funds due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gipsy Moth IV is now owned by Peter Tom, the president of the rugby union club Leicester Tigers and the owner of the Little Big Hotel group, Ian Walker.

The yacht will leave Buckler’s Hard in September for her new home port of St Peter Port, Guernsey, where she will be an active tourist attraction.

The yacht was built in 1966 by Camper & Nicholsons. Credit: Théo Stocker

Gipsy Moth IV will also be made available to the Guernsey Sailing Trust for educational activities in addition to participating in the island’s sailing calendar.

Commenting on the acquisition, Peter Tom said: “This iconic boat and her record commissioning skipper remind us of what can be achieved through skill and determination.

“I was happy to help when Ian approached me with the wonderful idea of ​​bringing Gipsy Moth IV to Guernsey as an educational and tourist attraction. We are working hard to support the growth of the maritime economy in Saint-Pierre-Port and take seriously our responsibility as new custodians, ”he said.

Once the boat arrives in Guernsey, it will be serviced and repaired at Boatworks +.

Ian Walker added: “Peter and I are both passionate about nautical history and sea stories are no better or more convincing than Sir Francis Chichester’s record-breaking 1966/7 voyage.

“We are very pleased that the young sailors of the Sailing Trust have the opportunity to sail aboard Gipsy Moth IV from her new home and benefit from their hands-on experience of history,” he added.

A ketch being lifted in Greenwich

Gipsy Moth IV came out of the water in Greenwich ahead of a £ 500,000 restoration run by Yachting Monthly and UKSA. Credit: CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images

Designed by John Illingworth and Angus Primrose and built in 1965 by Camper & Nicholsons, the Gipsy Moth IV made history in 1967, becoming the fastest small ship to sail around the world.

Continued below …

Gipsy Moth IV at Fastnet 2019

New owners are sought for Gipsy Moth IV, the legendary yacht that took Sir Francis Chichester across the world

Scottish sailor Chay Blyth arrives home in his 'British Steel' ketch, after becoming the first person to tour the world solo westward, UK, 6 August 1971

50 years ago, Chay Blyth became the first person to sail solo, nonstop, west around the world. Dee Caffari, the …

Robin_Knox-Johnston_Suhali_Getty

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: Sailing legend shares top tips for making the most of your time on the water

Thom D'Arcy has sailed around the world on his Vancouver 28, Fathom

Katy Stickland Chooses 25 Modern Cruise Sailors Who Have Inspired Others To Get Rid Of Bowlines And Explore By Sail

Sir Francis’ journey inspired thousands and over 250,000 people witnessed his return to Plymouth on May 28, 1967.

After circumnavigation, Gipsy Moth IV was lifted and moored alongside Cutty sark in Greenwich, where it was left to slowly rot.

In 2003, a campaign, initiated by the Monthly Yachting editor, Paul Gelder, was launched to restore it.

The boat was bought for ‘£ 1 and a gin and tonic’ by the UKSA who then oversaw the £ 500,000 restoration carried out by its original builders, Camper & Nicholsons.

Gipsy Moth IV will become a tourist attraction and will be available to sailors at the Guernsey Sailing Trust

Gipsy Moth IV will become a tourist attraction and will be available to sailors from the Guernsey Sailing Trust. Credit: Théo Stocker

Gipsy Moth IV made a second round-the-world trip in 2005.

The yacht was purchased in 2010 by Elaine Skinner and Rob Thompson, who wanted to keep the boat in the UK “as a fundamental part of our sailing history, to make it available for people of all ages to view and navigate and inspire a new generation of young people.

The Gipsy Moth Trust was launched in July 2011 and since then more than 1,700 people have been on the yacht.

The boat has also participated in numerous races, boat shows and events, including the 2018 Golden Globe Race and OSTAR.

Gipsy Moth IV hit the market in February 2021 for £ 165,000.

[ad_2]

Share.

Leave A Reply