Duke of Edinburgh reviews restored Gipsy Moth IV

The Duke of Edinburgh visited the United Kingdom Sailing Academy today to inspect the newly restored Gipsy Moth IV and meet some of the workers involved in the project. A boat was specially chartered by UKSA to ferry more than 40 workers over to Cowes to join in celebrations and witness the yacht’s blessing.

Several of the key workers from Camper and Nicholsons were introduced to The Duke of Edinburgh. Martyn Langford, Camper and Nicholsons Project Manager for the restoration said, “I am so pleased that some of the staff who carried out the work on Gipsy Moth IV have been able to be presented to the Duke of Edinburgh. This is also an appropriate occasion, baring in mind the Duke’s sailing association with Camper and Nicholsons which goes back many years. We are all pleased with the efforts that UKSA and Yachting Monthly put into saving Gipsy Moth IV and proud that Camper and Nicholsons were chosen for the restoration.”

The Duke of Edinburgh also met staff from the UKSA as well as project partners Mike King, representing the project’s main partner, the Isle of Wight, and Skandia’s Tim Sewell, before unveiling a plaque commemorating The Duke’s visit. David Green, Chief Executive Officer at UKSA said, “It is a great honour for UKSA to have His Royal Highness pay us a visit and review Gipsy Moth IV, we hope he will follow the yacht’s progress as she travels around the world.”

Representatives from The Neighbourly Charitable Trust were also present during the visit, standing aboard the Sweden Yacht 39, ‘Outreach 2’ they recently donated to the Academy to continue their work with disabled people and disadvantaged youth.

Before his Royal Highness departed, young people chosen to take part in Gipsy Moth IV’s global voyage were introduced to him. Charles Riley and David Williams, both from the Isle of Wight, represented all the young people who will benefit from the opportunity of taking part in Gipsy Moth IV’s second circumnavigation which will offer young people around the globe a ‘window on the world’.

A blessing ceremony carried out by Reverend Richard Emblin of St Mary’s Church Cowes followed the Duke’s visit. UKSA staff and invited guests watched as Reverend Emblin blessed the yacht and all who sail in her, and wished her a safe journey around the world.

Gipsy Moth IV was lifted from her dry dock in Greenwich last November and has undergone a major restoration at Camper and Nicholsons, the boat yard where she was built 40 years ago. Now afloat, Gipsy Moth IV is preparing for her second circumnavigation, departing Plymouth in September in 2005. New custodians, UKSA are still seeking funds to enable over 80 deserving young people, some from disadvantaged backgrounds and some recovering from major illness, to take part in legs of the voyage. It is estimated that a further £400,000 is needed to fund the voyage and secure the vessels future. The Project Team are still searching for sponsorship in the following areas; Air travel, car hire, hotel chain, fuel supplier, bank, medical supplies, binoculars, book publisher, IT hardware support, dried food, flag / banner manufacturers, shipping services, bottled water.

Donations can be made by calling 01983 203017, by visiting www.gipsymoth.org or by sending a cheque to, Gipsy Moth IV, c/o UKSA, Arctic Road, West Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7PQ.