World-famous Gipsy Moth IV yacht headed to Jersey Boat Show

Sir Francis Chichester commissioned the yacht for his 1966-67 single-handed circumnavigation of the globe.

The restored Gipsy Moth IV will be in attendance at next month’s Jersey Boat Show to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the yacht’s historic round-the-world sail.

Sir Francis Chichester used the 53-footer in his record-setting round-the-world solo sail in the 1960s.

Visitors to the Barclays Jersey Boat Show will have the opportunity to get aboard the historic ketch during the 30 April – 2 May event. The sailing boat is also available for charter and there are crewing opportunities on offer through the Gipsy Moth Trust charity.

On behalf of Ports of Jersey, organisers of the annual Barclays Jersey Boat Show, Myra Shacklady said: “We are proud to welcome Gipsy Moth IV to our island waters during its special anniversary year and delighted that her visit has been arranged to coincide with this year’s Boat Show. By allowing visitors to step on board I have no doubt she will be one of our star attractions.”

On his famous, epic 274-day, 28,500-mile journey in 1966-67, Sir Francis Chichester encountered steering difficulties, enormous waves and a capsize near Cape Horn. Calling the yacht both “too big for me” and “cantankerous and difficult,” Chichester said it held no sentimental value to him.

Gipsy Moth IV was put on display in Greenwich from Chichester’s death in 1971 until 2003, when Yachting Monthly Editor Paul Gelder launched a campaign to restore the yacht and sail her around the world on the 40th anniversary of Chichester’s voyage, a trip that was successfully completed in May 2007.

The United Kingdom Sailing Academy bought the yacht for £1 and a gin and tonic in 2004. Restoration work at the yard were Gipsy Moth IV was built — Camper and Nicholson’s in Gosport — cost some £300,000.

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