Gipsy Moth IV, one of the icons of British sailing, has made a welcomed return trip back to Plymouth as part of the 25th Sutton Harbour Plymouth Classic Boat Rally from 27-30 July.
The 54ft vessel that Sir Francis Chichester sailed single-handedly round the world in 1967 will join more than 65 classic boats spanning more than a century of sailing that will pack Sutton Harbour for this year’s rally.
It is among a series of events celebrating the city’s historic quayside quarter in July which includes:
+ The Yacht Club Classique Plymouth to La Rochelle Race which has been revived for the first time in more than 30 years and will see 40 magnificent classic yachts fill Sutton Harbour from 22 July until they start the race on 25 July
+ The Port of Plymouth Regatta featuring a series of races and events from 21-29 July
+ The Barbican International Jazz & Blues festival staged at venues around the waterfront on the weekend of 27-29 July
+ The Sutton Harbour Plymouth Classic Boat Rally from 27-30 July
The classic boat rally is being hosted once again by Sutton Harbour Marina, which is owned and operated by Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc.
Jason Schofield, chief executive of Sutton Harbour Holdings, said: “Gipsy Moth IV is an icon of British sailing and Sutton Harbour Plymouth Classic Boat Rally is now in its 25th year, so we’re delighted to welcome her back to the city. This is all about celebrating Plymouth’s waterfront as a fantastic destination and with the Plymouth to La Rochelle race, regatta and jazz and blues festival also happening in the same week, Sutton Harbour and the Barbican will be buzzing.”
Jonathan Brice, organiser of the Sutton Harbour Plymouth Classic Boat Rally, said: “For our 25th Rally we have a most impressive list of entrants. Boats range from brand new traditional wooden clinker dinghies to very old and large classic yachts and working boats. There will be an impressive new 43 foot wooden replica of a Victorian Gentleman’s Yacht, Integrity, built locally out of larch on oak, which sets 2,000 sq ft of sail. The biggest star, however, is what must be the most famous yacht in the world, Gipsy Moth IV. As a child, in 1967, I saw Francis Chichester’s arrival on her in Plymouth at the end of his record breaking voyage. That episode moved me, and millions of others. For nearly 40 years she never sailed again and looked somewhat sad as an exhibit ashore at Greenwich, by the Cutty Sark. Seeing her again now, up-close and afloat, will certainly have a profound effect. We hope people will come and join us at Sutton Harbour Marina.”
Eileen Skinner, Founder Trustee of the Gipsy Moth Trust which owns Gipsy Moth IV, said: “Gipsy Moth IV occupies a special place in the UK’s maritime history, one that we are thrilled to be able to share with Plymouth. We are very hopeful that the public will take advantage of what is a unique opportunity to visit and sail this iconic vessel, and that our visit can help inspire young people with the same sense of adventure and determination to achieve as Sir Francis Chichester.”
Gipsy Moth IV will be moored alongside Quay Road in Sutton Harbour from 17 July to 26 July, during which time she will be available for the public to book for half day or full day sailing trips. When not out sailing, the public will be able to see her from the quay side, with some opportunities to go aboard in small escorted groups.
Gipsy Moth IV will then be available for close-up public viewing during the Sutton Harbour Plymouth Classic Boat Rally on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday (27-29 July) of the rally, which continues until 30 July.
Bookings of Gipsy Moth IV can be made by contacting the Tourist Information Centre near Mayflower Steps in Plymouth (clare.phillips@plymouth.gov.uk) on 01752 306330.
For more information visit www.plymouthclassics.org.uk
About Scott Grenney
Scott is the owner & editor of the BarbicanWaterfront.com. He has lived on the Barbican & keeps close ties with the Plymouth Barbican community and is a member of the Association of Barbican Businesses (ABB).
Scott in his free time is developing the BarbicanWaterfront.com to become a hub / portal for all things related to the Barbican area. The aim is to help increase use of the Barbican by locals and tourists alike. Read more about the Plymouth Barbican Waterfront Website...
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