Chichester’s vessel set for Swansea visit

July 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Gipsy Moth IV will be docking in Swansea Museum’s pontoon in the city’s maritime quarter from August 13 to August 23 as part of a summer programme to promote charitable activities, make the vessel available to young people and raise funds for its upkeep.

Swansea Council has helped organise the vessel’s visit to the city.

Gipsy Moth IV set out from Plymouth in April 1966 with Sir Francis Chichester at the helm. He sailed her single-handedly around the world in 226 days, stopping just once in Sydney along the way.

More than 250,000 people were on hand in Plymouth to witness the ship’s historic return in May 1967. Millions more watched the event unfold on TV.

The voyage was the fastest around the world at the time by any small vessel, covering 15,000 miles non-stop.

Swansea Council is now calling on people interested in sailing on the historic vessel to come forward. Daily sailings will take place from August 14 to August 22, with all proceeds going to the Gipsy Moth Trust.

A celebration dinner with a charity auction has also been arranged for the evening of Friday August 17 at the Swansea Yacht and Sub Aqua Club.

Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Gipsy Moth IV and the accomplishments of Sir Francis Chichester are the stuff of maritime legend.

“Swansea is a city with historic and rich maritime links of its own and this is why it’s fitting that the vessel will spend 10 days in the marina area later this summer.

“The arrival of Gipsy Moth IV will appeal to history buffs, sailing fans and anyone who enjoys a sense of occasion. It will add to what’s already a fantastic maritime collection at Swansea Museum.”

Also docked at Swansea Museum’s pontoon is Olga – a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter built in 1909 that’s recently been conserved.

Anyone interested in attending the celebration dinner is asked to contact Swansea Museum on museum.swansea@swansea.gov.uk or 01792 653763.

People who’d like to sail on Gipsy Moth should contact Ian Clarke on Ic.gipsymothtrust@btinternet.com