Gipsy Moth IV to sail into Sydney Harbour
A large flotilla of yachts is expected to welcome Sir Francis Chichester's restored Gipsy Moth IV when she sails into Sydney on Sunday July 9The 54ft ketch last departed Sydney in January 1967 after the only stop on Chichester's record world circumnavigation.
Chichester was a pioneering aviator, making his first solo flight to Australia in 1929 and in 1931 was the first man to fly east to west across the Tasman Sea. In 1958 he was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live. Forgoing recommended lung surgery he was nursed back to health by his wife. In 1960 he won the first solo Transatlantic sailing race in Gipsy Moth III claiming that entry into the race was part of his recovering plan. Entering the race again in 1962 he beat his own record. In August 1966 aged 65 he set off from Plymouth to circumnavigate the world.
The restored Gipsy Moth IV is circumnavigating the world again after leaving Plymouth UK on September 25. Stops in 25 countries have been planned for the voyage. The crew change for each leg. Three young adults aged between 16 - 24 from disadvantaged backgrounds, or suffering from learning difficulties or from cancer are accompanied by a skipper, first mate and a crew leader.
Gipsy Moth IV ran aground for 6 days in May at the North West corner of the Rangiroa Atoll, part of the Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia. She was shipped to Auckland for repairs.
Against all odds the Kiwis have refitted Gipsy Moth IV ahead of schedule and under budget. In a gesture of thanks the custodians of the vessel, the UK Sailing Academy, have offered three places to Kiwi youngsters to sail on subsequent legs of the voyage.
With masts stepped and initial sail trials underway the project is back on track. The support of the Auckland marine industry was incredible, with Emirates Team New Zealand providing their facilities to carry out the work.
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. Gipsy Moth IV will still sail into Sydney Harbour on Sunday July 9.
Calendar of events for Gipsy Moth IV's stopover in Sydney:
- July 9 - Arrives Sydney Harbour 2-4pm, docks at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron for private reception for members involved in Gipsy Moth's previous stopover and for those who raised funds for the new propeller for this circumnavigation
- July 10 - RSYS members sailing day and dinner
- July 11 - Invited guests sail on Sydney Harbour 9am - 3pm
- July 12 - Gipsy Moth IV Gala Dinner & Australian Yachting Awards, Dalton House to raise funds for the Gipsy Moth IV project with guest of honour HRH The Princess Royal
- July 13 - Official opening at 9.15am of the Gipsy Moth exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum by HRH The Princess Royal who will later sail on the harbour
- July 14-16 - Gipsy Moth IV open to the public at the National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
The Gipsy Moth will then head up the east coast to Mooloolaba.
Gipsy Moth is expected to return to Plymouth UK on May 28, 2007, 40 years to the day from when Chichester returned as a national hero after becoming the first person to sail one-stop solo around the globe. Chichester died in August 1972.
As a charitable project, funds are continually being sought for the voyage and the continual upkeep of the boat.
Website: www.Gipsymoth.org.
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