Gipsy Moth IV returns to Buckler’s Hard for 50th anniversary celebration

To mark the anniversary, visitors to Buckler’s Hard will be able to climb on board the famous yacht on Sunday 17th September 2017 for a tour to learn more about her record-breaking history.

Beaulieu River receptionist and river hand Kate Mills was on board Gipsy Moth IV for her recent circumnavigation of Britain to celebrate the anniversary.

Kate said: “I read about Sir Francis Chichester’s amazing and inspirational story as a child. It was an honour to sail on board for the celebratory circumnavigation and to help bring her home to the Beaulieu River.”

Eileen Skinner, a founder trustee of the Gipsy Moth Trust, said: “Just stepping on board the boat really brings home what life was like for Chichester as he sailed, single-handedly, around the world all those years ago.”

Visitors to Buckler’s Hard will be able to get a feel of life on board for themselves and talk to crew at the open day. More tales and artefacts from the voyage are also on show in the attraction’s Maritime Museum, including a map, personal items from the adventure and records of the floodings and even a capsizing which put the journey at risk.

Weeks after his circumnavigation, he was knighted for “individual achievement and sustained endeavour in the navigation and seamanship of small craft”. For the ceremony, the Queen used the sword which had been used by her predecessor, Queen Elizabeth I, to knight the adventurer Sir Francis Drake who was the first Englishman to complete a circumnavigation with his crew. Sir Francis was also later honoured on a postage stamp, which showed him aboard Gipsy Moth IV and he still holds a special place in maritime history.

Asked why he undertook the journey, Sir Francis Chichester said simply: “Because it intensifies life.”

After her return, Gipsy Moth IV was initially preserved alongside Cutty Sark at Greenwich but, in need of restoration by the beginning of the century, was sold for £1 and a gin and tonic (Sir Francis Chichester’s favourite tipple) to the UK Sailing Academy in Cowes. Camper & Nicholson, her original boat builder in Gosport, carried out the £400,000 refit before a further drama-packed round-the-world voyage was undertaken for educational purposes. When Gipsy Moth IV went up for sale again, she was bought by business partners Eileen Skinner and Rob Thompson, whose aim was to keep her in the UK and to inspire a new generation with visits on board. They have now donated her to the Gipsy Moth Trust.

Visitors to Buckler’s Hard are welcome to go on board Gipsy Moth IV between 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday 17 September. Voluntary donations to the Gipsy Moth Trust will be gratefully received.