Gypsy Moth Sailing Ahead Of Schedule

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-06-27 09:25:12
Countries: Australia, New Zealand

Gypsy Moth IV, the famous yacht that carried Sir Francis Chichester around the world in record time in 1966/67, has been repaired ahead of schedule in Auckland, New Zealand.

The classic 53ft timber ketch ran aground on Rangiroa Atoll in the Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia on the 28th of April. Gypsy Moth IV was salvaged and shipped to Westhaven, Auckland, where tradesmen rebuilt the starboard side and repaired the rudder, keel and electrics, and replaced the electronics, in what amounts to record time.

Richard Baggett, lead skipper for the educational and environmental trust that is sailing Gypsy Moth IV around the world, says four month’s work was compressed into less than four weeks. Boatbuilders worked 18 hours per day, seven days a week to meet the trust’s tight departure deadline.

The experience has left Baggett impressed by the New Zealand industry’s high standard of workmanship and its cooperative can-do attitude. "Everyone is keen and the workmanship is superb."

He says the support and efficiencies provided by the local Westhaven marine community – NZ’s largest marine cluster with 109 companies – were instrumental in meeting Gypsy Moth’s tight repair and refit schedule. "Just about every brand, skill and service is available within a small area and this translates to a very productive stopover."

Members of the Westhaven Yacht Refit Destination Group www.westhavenrefit.co.nz contributed to Gypsy Moth’s repair and the group’s services are available to all cruisers needing assistance throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Additional bonuses that make Westhaven a very attractive South Pacific stopover include a vibrant inner city location and immediate access to a world class cruising ground (the Hauraki Gulf).

Gypsy Moth has completed sailing trials and she will be shipped to Sydney, Australia, where the crew will be received at a gala dinner attended by Princess Anne to celebrate Chichester’s stopover 40 years ago. However, Princess Anne will first visit New Zealand to personally thank the Auckland marine industry for a job well done in difficult circumstances.