Gipsy Moth sets sail for her first leg to Gibraltar on historic 40 year odyssey
A rejuvenated Gipsy Moth IV yesterday set out to recreate a 40-year-old global circumnavigation - with a team of young novice sailors helping crew the historic vessel.
A large flotilla escorted the 53ft ketch as she left Plymouth - just as they did when Sir Francis Chichester sailed her into the Devon port after conquering the world’s oceans between 1966-67 in 274 days in the first solo, one-stop odyssey.
The 29,630-mile voyage, which began yesterday, will comprise 28 legs, with three-strong teams of youngsters crewing on each - returning to Plymouth in May 2007 to mark the 40th anniversary of the feat by Sir Francis.
Leadership centre guide Elaine Caldwell, 23, from Glasgow, one of the three young crew selected for the leg to Gibraltar, said before leaving: “I am looking forward to it, it is special.”
The vessel, which has been in dry dock at Greenwich since her record-breaking voyage, was given a new lease of life last November. She was sold for one pound and a gin and tonic to the UK Sailing Academy, which organised a refit with the UK marine industry and sponsors.
One of the youngsters who will help sail the Plymouth-Gibraltar leg ,Peter Heggie, 17, from Stoke Dameral Community College in Plymouth, said:
“It is a fantastic opportunity and really exciting. I am nervous but that’s part of it.”
Leadership centre guide Elaine Caldwell, 23, working at Staffin, on the Isle of Skye, said:
“I will undoubtedly get a sense of isolation sailing aboard Gipsy Moth IV, which will give me more time for myself.”
The third young crew member is 17 year old A level student Matthews Pakes, from Wootton, Isle of Wight.
Places on the Gipsy Moth IV cirumnavigation project voyage were allocated through specially selected schools and organisations from across the country.
The same Gypsy Moth biplane that flew out to meet Sir Francis Chichester when he returned from his record breaking voyage flew across Plymouth Sound and escorted Gipsy Moth IV out of Plymouth’s water. The plane was flown by Nigel Reid, son of John Reid who made the memorable flight back in 1967.
Following Chichester’s return from his epic journey, he was knighted and the Gipsy Moth IV was put on show at the London Boat Show in January 1968 before being placed in dry berth next to the Cutty Sark until last November.
From The Press Association 26 September 2005