On the 23rd of June Gipsy Moth IV undetook a formal sail past in Auckland harbour accompanied by a flotilla of vessels,including a Port of Auckland firefighting tugs, naval training yachts, as well as, an honoured by a fly past of vintage Gypsy Moth aircraft.The event had been organised as a way of syaing thank you to Auckland for all of the support that has been provided to repair GMIV so that she can continue with her global voyage.
On the evening of the 22nd June the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron kindly hosted a fundraising event for the Gipsy Moth IV project. The evening was a great success; several items of Gipsy Moth IV memorabilia including an original secondary winch and a section of GMIV's sternpost mounetd on a wooden plinth were auctioned off to raise funds - in total over NZ$13,000 was raised. Part of the money raised will be used to fund a young adult from New Zealand on one of the future legs of the global voyage. Many thanks to all those who attended the evening.
Following her re-launch on the 20th of June, GMIV has been undergoing sea trials in New Zealand. The yacht has also received coding approval from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) - this was suspended following the incident in the Pacific. On Friday the 23rd of June there will be a spectacular event to mark Gipsy Moth IV’s Repair and re-commissioning in Auckland and to say thank you to the Kiwis for their incredible efforts. GMIV will leave from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and will sail under the Harbour Bridge and back, through Waitemata Harbour and the Rangitoto Channel. She will be accompanied by a flotilla of vessels,including a Port of Auckland firefighting tugs, naval training yachts and honoured by a fly past of vintage Moth aircraft.
Against all odds the Kiwis have performed a miracle in getting Gipsy Moth IV ready in time to continue with her global voyage. In an amazing combination of craftsmanship, determination, tenacity and resolve the team of experts working on Gipsy Moth’s refit have achieved what nobody thought was possible – to make her as good as new again!!The standards of workmanship have been some of the best the Gipsy Moth Team has ever seen and bringing the refit in ahead of schedule and under budget means that more young people will get to sail on the boat in the months to come. In a gesture of thanks the UK Sailing Academy who are custodians of the vessel have offered three places to Kiwi youngsters to sail on subsequent legs of the voyage.
With masts stepped and initial sail trials underway there can be no doubt that the project is back on it’s feet again. After the setback in the Pacific the project owes its continuance to the willingness of the Kiwis to get stuck in and overcome the problems facing the voyage. The support that the marine industry in Auckland have provided has been incredible, with Emirates Team New Zealand leading the pack with the provision of their world class facilities to carry out the work. David Green the Global Project Manager and CEO of UKSA said:
“There was never any doubt in my mind as to where to conduct these repairs. The incredible reputation that the Kiwis have for boatbuilding and their “can do attitude” made this a no brainer for us. I have to say that the Kiwis have exceeded all of our expectations and a lifetime of thanks will be owed by the future voyage participants who will now be able to go on to benefit from the Gipsy Moth experience.”
Due to the notoriously unreliable weather in the Tasman Sea at this time of year, the current plan is to ship Gipsy Moth IV as deck cargo to Sydney where a number of Royal engagements await her. Whilst this will be a disappointment to some who wanted to see Gipsy Moth IV sail the Tasman it has some significant benefits in offering a kinder passage to this grand old lady of the sea who has just undergone one of the major “operations” of her life, and will ensure that the she is 'on time' for the celebrations in Sydney.
The Gipsy Moth team are indebted to Emirates Team New Zealand who accommodated this refit in their sheds, the three local boatyards who pooled their resources, the numerous suppliers who offered services and equipment at reduced rates, the project manager Bob Wilson who did an amazing job and NZ resident Chris Fewtrell and friends who pitched in to help the effort. New Zealand has earned its place in Gipsy Moth history and the generosity and spirit will not be forgotten.
Oceanbridge Shipping, through their representative Richard Thorpe, has been helping us with contingency planning. The Gipsy Moth team has been very impressed by the attentive on-the-spot service and imaginative proposals. Now that it has been decided to ship the boat to Sydney, due primarily to weather and time constraints, Oceanbridge will be arranging this for us. Working with Singapore Air Cargo, they are also sending material taken out of Gipsy Moth back to the UK where it will be used at future fund raising events.
Gipsy Moth IV's keel has been reattached, and the rudder has been refitted. Final fitting and finishing work is now underway at the Emirates Team NZ base in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.Down below much of the original furniture has been refitted and the area has largely returned to its original layout.
Read the full story and more images at Sail World NZ.
The repair work to Gipsy Moth IV is moving forward at a blistering pace. The reskinning of Gipsy Moth IV is the major activity currently underway in the temporary repair facility at the Emirates Team New Zealand base in Auckland. Currently four of the six skins of African Mahogany are in place. The temporary framework which was put in place to facilitate the skinning process has been removed and replaced with new ribs which are an integral part of the finished hull structure. The lead keel has been separated from the hull and all keel bolts have been removed in preparation for the replacement keel bolts.
While progress looks good on the outside, in the interior there is still a lot of work to be done. All furniture around the damaged area has been completely removed to allow the refitting of frames. The main bulkhead which had cracked and shifted has been cut away and replaced.
More images of the repair work are availabe on the Sail World New Zealand web site.
One of the companies providing the much needed skilled labour to carry out the repairs to Gipsy Moth IV is Brin Wilson Boat Builders Ltd..There are three shipwrights from Brin Wilson working as part of the team at the Emirates Team New Zealand facility in Auckland. In addition Brin Wilson Boat Builders will carry out repair work on the rudder at their own facility in Gulf Harbour.
The Westhaven Refit Destination Group, is a Marine Industry Association of New Zealand initiative to promote the extensive maintenance and refit services available in the Westhaven - Viaduct area, Auckland, NZ.Although the Westhaven Yacht Refit Destination Group is not managing Gipsy Moth IV's repairs, numerous member companies are working on the yacht, and some have contributed time and materials at discounted rates, or for free.
Richard Baggett, the lead skipped of the Gipsy Moth IV project is very pleased by the industry's support and impressed by its comprehensive skills and cooperative 'can do' attitude. Richard's experience pretty much sums up the Westhaven marine industry's capabilities, which are available to all cruisers.
The Westhaven Marine Cluster is NZ's largest marine cluster and pretty much 'head office' for the NZ marine industry; it services a huge recreational fleet, visiting cruisers and superyachts, ferries and fishing boats and commercial shipping. Just about every marine brand, skill and service is available within a very compact location. The efficiencies generated by the cluster (109 marine companies) translate to a very productive stopover for visiting cruisers, as demonstrated by Gipsy Moth IV's experience. Other bonuses, such as a vibrant inner city location on the edge of a world class cruising ground (the Hauraki Gulf), combine to make Auckland an attractive Pacific stopover.
EAL investigated the damaged area on the starboard hull, caused by its grounding on the reef.Electrics Afloat Ltd. (EAL) was founded in 1986 by Warren Tait as an owner operator. The company has experienced rapid growth in all electrical disciplines and now employs a team of 20 full time staff.
EAL investigated the damaged area on the starboard hull of Gipsy MOth IV, caused by its grounding on the reef. After this investigation, EAL stripped out the wiring, electronics, camera and communications equipment from the damaged area to allow the hull repairs to be carried out.
EAL carried out a full inspection of the electrical installation on board and modified the wiring to enable all battery charging to be monitored more effectively. All salt damaged cable and equipment has been replaced or repaired. Once the hull repairs have been completed, EAL will replace the wiring on the starboard side and the electronics will be re-installed.
A full test of all electrical equipment and wiring has been carried out to ensure reliable operation.
EAL is proud to be involved with such an important historical vessel and is pleased to be able to help Gipsy Moth IV on her way again.
The repairs to Gipsy Moth IV are on schedule and progressing well. The work is being greatly helped by the superb facilities avilable in the immediate vicinity of the Viaduct Harbour Marine Village.In the heart of Auckland City on the Central Business Districts waterfront, Viaduct Harbour provides premium Marina facilities at a world class address. A prestigious residential, commercial and entertainment precinct, Viaduct Harbour offers boat owners immediate access to its superb restaurant and bar offer, tourist facilities, hotel and apartment accommodation and the regular events and attractions that afford the precinct its vibrant and renowned atmosphere.
The Marina enjoys full security and general berth services as well as direct access to New Zealand’s most comprehensive marine service precinct, inclusive of all boat maintenance, refurbishment and provisioning requirements.
With views across the Harbour and CBD and easy access to the stunning Hauraki Gulf, Viaduct Harbour is a world class destination for all boat owners and visitors to New Zealand.
The repair work to GMIV is now well underway in the Emirates Team New Zealand facility in Auckland. The team are working around the clock to ensure that the work will be completed in time for GMIV's planned departure from Auckland at the end of June.Over the weekend the area where the worst of the damage occurred was cleared along with the fuel and water tanks to provide access to the bilges and keel. It is expected that the repairs to the hull will be complete by the end of this week. You can see more images and read the article on Sail World NZ
Gipsy Moth IV arrived at the Emirates Team New Zealand facility in Auckland yesterday. Work on the repairs was able to start immediately as a result of the pre-planning and preparations undertaken by the team.You can watch the TVNZ footage of GMIV being transported through Auckland and her the comments from Grant Dalton, Managing Director of Emirates Team New Zealand who have kindly provided the use of their facilities in Auckland.
After over a week in Auckland setting up operations for the repairs to Gipsy Moth IV, Richard Baggett, lead skipper for the project (pictured in the Emirates Team New Zealand shed where repairs will take place) is raring to get on with the job.Richard has spend much of the past week dealing with customs formalities to minimise the delay in work getting underway - many thanks to the New Zealand Customs Authorities for their help and understanding.
The other key focus in the past week has been sourcing the skilled labour needed to undertake the work - the plan is to work shifts almost 24 hours a day on the repairs. We have received a great response in New Zealand and remain cautiously optimistic that we will be able to meet the deadlines for GMIV to depart on time from Auckland.
At 1900hrs New Zealand time today, GMIV arrived safely in Auckland aboard the vessel Thor Simba. She has been lifted onto her cradle and cleared through New Zealand Customs. Due to a curfew on transporting heavy loads through the city after 1800hrs, she will be moved tomorrow morning by road into the Emirates Team New Zealand facilities in Auckland where work on the repairs will take place.
Many thanks to all of the companies and agents that have assisted with this process, particulalry Bernard Hack, MD of Taurus Logistics in New Zealand for his help with the shipping and customs.
The Gipsy Moth IV Project would like to thank Jonathan Hadley-Piggin, Partner at Shoosmiths for his help during the recovery of Gipsy Moth IV from the reef at Rangiroa.What most people did not see were the eforts by the GMIV Team in the UK to organise the resources necessary to undertake the recovery operation. A key part in this process was the drafting and reviewing of legal contracts between releveant parties. In many cases these contracts were in languages other than english.
Shoosmiths were a great help to the team in the UK. The translation, approval and general fast turn around of the work was very impressive. Shoosmiths is one of the fastest growing national law firms in the UK with 8 offices in Northampton (2), Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Reading, Solent, Birmingham and a specialist Legal Expenses Division in Basingstoke.
The firm has 65 partners and is divided into four departments: Commercial Property; Corporate/Commercial; Dispute Resolution; and Property Direct.
Renowned for excellent client service, Shoosmiths delivers City quality advice and pragmatic business solutions to a client list which includes blue chip UK companies, rapid growth/emerging technology private companies, European and US owned corporates, financial institutions, developers and public sector organisations. This is underpinned by its ISO9001 accreditation and Investors in People status.
Through their existing relationship with Emirates Team New Zealand, Vodafone New Zealand have extended their support to include Gipsy Moth IV.Vodafone have kindly provided the GMIV team in New Zealand with free sim cards for mobile phones and wireless interent access cards. This is a great help in terms of keeping communications costs down, as well as, improving the speed of communications with the UK through the always on wireless internet link. This is yet another example of the kind of support that the project is receiving from all angles in New Zealand - THANKS VODAFONE
SP Systems, now part of the Gurit group of companies, have once again come to aid of Gipsy Moth IV.SP became a partner to the project during the 2005 restoration, and provided several of their specialised composite products. Almost as soon as the incident in the Pacific occurred SP contact the GMIV team in the UK to once again offer their help and support.
SP have now arranged for the materials required to undertake the repir to be made available via Gurit (New Zealand) Ltd.
We would all like to thank Gurit (formerly SP Systems) for thier prompt and unwavering support for the project.
TV New Zealand visited the GMIV team at their Emirates Team New Zealand base yesterday.Richard Baggett and Chris Fewtrell were interviewed about the project and the work that will be undertaken in New Zealand. It is hoped that the media coverage will help to raise awareness of the project in New Zealand and encourage the skilled labour required to offer their support to the project.
You can follow the link above to watch the footage and read the news story.
The GMIV Refit Team met for the fist time yeasterday at their new office in the Emirate Team New Zealand base in Auckland. The team reviewed the deatiled findings from the survey report completed by John Macdonald. The focus of the meeting was on identifying the key work areas and on profiling the skills required to undertake the work.
Richard Bagget, the lead skipper for the project has been overwhelmed with the support that he has received since his arrival in New Zealand. The team have already identified the project manager for the repair work, Bob Wilson, son of Brin Wilson owner of a highly respected boat yard in Auckland. The challenge now is to find the labour and skills necessary to complete the work in the time available.
Gipsy Moth IV was lifted onto the vessel Thor Simba in Tahiti yesterday for transportation to Auckland, New Zealand.The TECHNIMARINE team in Tahiti have been a great help by assisting Richard Bagget, the lead GMIV skipper with the preparation of the vessel and the construction of the cradle required for shipping.
GMIV is now receiving assistance with the transfer of funds to New Zealand from the UK's leading commercial foreign exchange company,Currencies Direct. The company was the first company in the UK to offer commercial exchange rates to businesses and private individuals. Currencies Direct offer unbeatable rates and a range of foreign exchange solutions to minimise foreign currency risk.
Whether a business is arranging international payments, or an individual is investing overseas or making regular payments, Currencies Direct can provide a simple, reliable and cost-effective alternative to high-street banks.
By dealing directly with the currency markets, Currencies Direct is able to offer its clients real cost savings and its credentials are second to none.
Currencies Direct have seven offices in four continents and are a Sunday Times Fast Track 100 listed company.
Gipsy Moth IV’s ongoing rescue and repair operation is progressing extremely well and the latest offer of support is certainly going to help get Gipsy Moth IV back on track for her celebratory global circumnavigation in time for her Royal engagements in Sydney in July.In a surprise twist to the Gipsy Moth IV story, Grant Dalton and America’s Cup Emirates Team New Zealand have come to the yacht’s rescue in Auckland, offering their full support for the refit programme.
Emirates Team New Zealand, on Grant’s instructions, have cleared two of their racing boats from one of the America’s Cup sheds to house Gipsy Moth IV free of charge. They have also offered the Gipsy Moth IV Team office facilities, power, light, lift-out facilities, RIB use and assistance where possible from the Team. Grant Dalton is a keen circumnavigator himself and as soon as he heard that it was Gipsy Moth IV that was heading towards Auckland and was in need of assistance, his offer of support for the Project was immediate.
In another twist of fate, James Blake, son of one of the New Zealand America’s Cup Team’s founding fathers, Sir Peter Blake is due to sail out of Auckland on Gipsy Moth on the leg to Sydney adding an even greater focus to the need to get the boat ready on time. Emirates Team New Zealand are no strangers to tight deadlines and challenging odds and it is the Gipsy Moth Team’s belief that they could not have found a better yard to host the restoration works in Auckland.
When asked to comment on the involvement of Emirates Team New Zealand, David Green, the Global Project Manager for Gipsy Moth IV said:
“The project’s current motto is ‘where there is a will there is a way’ and with Emirates Team New Zealand behind us our chances of making our deadlines have significantly increased. The Team have huge support in their country and it is a very powerful mark of respect that they have so readily come to our assistance. Our thanks go out to all the team members, especially Grant Dalton, and we wish them every success in their coming events."
Gipsy Moth IV is due to arrive in Auckland by ship on 22nd May and repair works will start shortly afterwards. There is a new rescue fund that has been set-up on www.gipsymoth.org and donations and offers of equipment and services are flooding in all the time.
1700hrs Pacific Time 10th May (0300hrs UTC 4th May) While the survey is ongoing GMIV also had her standing rigging (masts etc.) removed today in preparation for shipping. The cradle required for shipment is being constructed by TECHNIMARINE in Tahiti and should be finished tomorrow.
Many thanks to all the of the people in Tahiti who are providing such great support to the project, and to the many people who have sent us letters and e-mails of support. We are all determined to get GMIV and this great project back on track.
0700hrs Pacific Time (1700 UTC) the assessment of the damage to GMIV has now begun. J MacDonald Marine Services Ltd. have been contracted to undertake the survey and to produce a detailed works list from which repairs will be driven. Richard Baggett, GMIV Lead Skipper is assisting John with the survey.
Now Gipsy Moth IV is safely out of the water in Tahiti, thoughts are turning to how much it will cost to repair her. Until an assessment of the damage has taken place by Professional Marine Surveyor John McDonald from New Zealand, an accurate repair figure cannot be given. John is expected to reach Gipsy Moth IV on Tuesday 9th May
The insurance company are being extremely supportive and UKSA are working closely with them.
1250 (Pacific Time) The vessel Thor Simba is en-route from Auckland to Tahiti to collect Gipsy Moth IV. The company itself was formed in 1994 as Tönnevald & Clausen A/S then becoming T&C A/S in 1996/1997, also known as Thor Chartering A/S, then 1.7.2003 became CEC Shipmanagement A/S on being acquired by Clipper Elite Carriers, part of Clipper Group (Management) Ltd.Gipsy Moth IV will be loaded onto Thor Simba on the 13th May in a cradle that is being manufactured locally in Tahiti. The shipping has been organised by the UKSA Team through Bernard Hack, Managing Director of Taurus Logistics Ltd. in New Zealand.
At 0900hrs Pacific Time (1900hrs UTC) Gipsy Moth IV arrived safely in the marina at Papeete, Tahiti. Richard Baggett, the lead skipper of the GMIV project sadi 'the crossing went very well, we had light SE wind, low swell and the weather overall was very kind enabling us to make good speed'. Regarding the damage to Gipsy Moth IV, Richard said 'there was some water ingress but this was easily containable with the diesel powered bilge pump, there is some damage to the rudder and as expected the starboard side has suffered scraping from the rocks'. Despite obvious tiredness, Richard is very upbeat and keen to get on with the repair work as soon as possible.John Jeffreys who has been involved with the salvage in Rangiroa since last Sunday and accompanied Richard on the crrossing to Tahiti said 'this has been one of the hardest weeks of my life, I am bruised, battered and extremely tired, but I could not be happier with the outcome of the teams' efforts'.
Gipsy Moth IV has now been lifted out of the water and chocked up on the hard in readiness for the damage assessment by the surveyor at the start of next week.
At 18.00 hrs (Pacific Time) Captain Kleijwegt reported in. He said that he expected Gipsy Moth to arrive in Tahiti around 13.00 hrs ~ 14.00 hrs the following day Saturday 6th May their time ( this will be approximately 00.00 hrs ~ 01.00 hrs Sunday 7th BST ). He said that the teamwork between Bruno Videau, the local villagers, the UKSA team and the tug drivers had been exceptional. It was a very nice operation and it had been great to see the boat afloat again. It was quite something and had worked out as well as he could have expected or hoped. All the patching and the preparations had worked very well and the rescue had gone without a hitch. He said that once in New Zealand, certainly there will be the skills and expertise to repair her. and he looks forward to the day when she will be restored to her former glory.
The Gipsy Moth Team would like to thank Captain Burt Kleijwegt (SMIT), Bruno Video, the tug boat captain, Richard Baggett, John Jeffreys, Peter Seymour and his team at the Blue Water Rallies, Paul Gelder ( Yachting Monthly ) the Deputy Mayor on Rangiroa and all the parties involved in the rescue mission for their perseverance and fortitude. Without the co-operative spirit of these individuals the rescue attempt may not have been so successful.
A JOB WELL DONE.
As Gipsy Moth IV makes her way under tow to Tahiti, the ship that will transport her from Tahiti to Auckland, New Zealand is already underway Many thanks to Bernard Hack of Taurus Logistics Ltd. for his efforts in organising the transportation of our favourite lady.
At 13.00 hrs (Pacific Time) Gipsy Moth was Rescued from the reef where she had lain for 6 days. The first phone call came in from Captain Burt Kleijwet to say that Gipsy Moth IV was afloat once more. She had slipped gently into the water guided by the shore team whilst being pulled gently by the tug. The rescue team had organised some divers who went down to check her underwater profile and Richard Baggett checked her for leaks. All was well and shortly afterwards the tug set course for Tahiti where a challenging 26 hour journey ( not without its risks ) will culminate in a lift out and a welcome rest ... but not for long. John MacDonald a marine surveyor from Auckland will be inspecting her damage on Tuesday and all being well she will soon be en route by ship to New Zealand where she is anticipated in Auckland on the 21st May ... then it's a race against time to get her ready for James Blake ( son of Sir Peter Blake ) to sail out of Auckland onboard on 23rd June towards an amazing welcome that is being prepared for her in Sydney.THANK YOU ... THANK YOU ... THANK YOU ... TO ALL THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE OFFERED LETTERS / PHONE CALLS / EMAILS OF SUPPORT it has filled pages and pages of our files here at Gipsy Moth HQ. It is only in a crisis that you find out who your friends are and it seems that now we have a world full of them. To all those future Voyage participants - Gipsy Moth is on the march once more.
12.00 hrs (Pacific Time) Paul Gelder from Yachting Monthly tells us that the Tug is now in sight and will be on station in an hour. Gipsy Moth is now turned seaward and awaiting her return to the water and the next part of her adventure. The locals are a determined bunch of colourful characters with considerable experience in these matters. They have been working very long days and moving mountains to help us on our way. The whole community has been involved from the Deputy Mayor - Felix to the local Gendarmerie - we are truly grateful.
"The weather forecast for the recovery of Gipsy Moth IV from the reef off Rangiroa remains favourable. Reports from the team on site confirm that the swell is around 1 metre in height. The wind should remain at around 10 knots and from the east. The latest satellite image suggests less local thunderstorm activity than yesterday. In the middle of next week, Rangiroa may experience a slightly increased swell due to the passage of large weather systems to the east of New Zealand - but hopefully by then the Moth will be off the reef and getting ready to complete her circumnavigation. So everything still looks OK. Good luck to the team!"Andrew Eccleston PhD FRMetS CMet MNI ILTM School of Earth Ocean and Environmental Sciences University of Plymouth
09.30 hrs ( Pacific Time ) Richard Baggett and The Team is awaiting the arrival of the Voith Schneider Tug which is anticiapted in the next 5 hours preparations are nearly complete and anticipation is mounting about the forthcoming relaunch. The next hours will be spent further protecting Gipsy Moth's sides and turning her to face the sea ready for departure.
08.15 hrs (Pacific time) Richard Baggett has called in to the operations centre. He is on site and organising the team in preparation for the movement of the yacht. Crusader Sails have also just e-mailed in offering to help sort out the sail wardrobe. Thanks for your support Andy and Paul.
0700 (Pacific time)Paul Gelder, Editor of Yachting Monthly and Founder of the Gipsy Moth IV Project called the UK based operations centre at 0700 (Pacific time). Paul was in a pensive mood as he explained his plans for travelling out to the yacht by boat, and once there would be helping the salvage team remove the final items from the yacht in preparation for its re-floating later in the day.
04.30 hrs (Pacific time) Captain Burt Kleijwegt has just called. We are at mission critical point. The Tug is en route from Tahiti ETA the boat around 12.00 hrs (Pacific Time). Final preparations have begun to relaunch the boat. Tyres have been placed around her, with fenders, floatation devices and wooden protection. The boat is now watertight and there is no remaining water in the hull. We are placing timbers under the boat and over the reef towards the water where she will be relaunched. The weather is good and the swell very low for this area ( about 1m ) with only 0.5m over the reef. The most critical time is on the edge of the reef as she enters deep water.
We then have a number of options. We will have diesel pumps onboard in addition to the manual bilge pump and there is still power in the batteries which may enable us to run the automatic bilge pump. If the boat is essentially watertight and the skipper and the tug captain are happy the tow will commence to Tahiti. If not then it can be towed to the anchorage on the atoll.
When asked for his view on the potential success of the operation he was necessarily guarded and said "these rescues are by their nature full of risk and we have done eveything we can to secure the safety of the vessel. I know there are many people around the world wishing us well and we all have the same feeling here, we will all do what we can do in this remote area with the limited resources at our disposal". When pressed on the outcome he said that he was "cautiously optimistic" and hopeful that by the end of the day the news would be good.
Previous voyage participants have begun to post messages of support on the Forum pages of the Gipsy Moth website.Elaine Caldwell, who was one of the young voyage participants selected to sail onboard Gipsy Moth IV when she departed Plymouth in September 2005, had this to say:
"I think it is important that everyone remains up beat about Gipsy Moth & her current condition. Also spare a thought for those on board. Of course anyone involved in salvaging her from the reef will do, in true Chichester spirit! Really this is the first trial since she left Plymouth in September. It could have been worse! Chichester never gave up & I'm sure he wouldn't want those involved to either. For the young folk on board, your adventure may have been cut slightly short but you have something that adds to your adventure that no one has the pleasure of experiencing with you. I believe she can be fixed. She lay in a dry dock for long enough & getting her back on the water was a dream turned in to reality. If it can happen once, it can happen again. Keep the spirit of the voyage alive."
The Voith Schneider towing tug has been instructed to depart from Tahiti and will be in Rangiroa in around 1200hrs Pacific Time on Friday. The salvage team will create the sacrificial skid underneath Gipsy Moth tomorrow - this will provide protection for the hull as the yacht is moved into deeper water.
Captain Bert Kleijwegt from SMIT stated that '..in principle we are ready for floatation of Gipsy Moth IV tomorrow.'
Following the recent incident in the Pacific which left Gipsy Moth IV aground on a reef on the north west of Rangiroa Atoll, part of the Tuamotu Islands in French Ploynesia, we are pleased to announce that the rescue plan is now well underway. Obviously the weather plays a key part in these situations. The good news is that there are no significant storms in the area and the easterly breeze of 10-15 knots should ease off gradually. The swell is currently 2 metres and is forecast to decrease over the next few days. The swell direction is mainly from the south so as GMIV is on the north side of the Atoll she should get some protection. If ever the project needed your support now is definitely the time.