Gipsy Moth IV - Sailing into 2011 Events

May 4, 2011 - PRLog -- Bought by new owners Rob Thompson and Eileen Skinner in October 2010, Gipsy Moth IV will be managed by youth maritime charity UKSA who will use the boat in their work of giving disadvantaged and disabled young people the opportunity to change their lives through on-the-water activities.

Gipsy Moth has been previously used by UKSA to sail the world with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, learning difficulties or suffering from cancer.

This year Gipsy Moth IV will attend events including Suffolk Yacht Harbour Classic Regatta, J.P Morgan Asset Management Round Island Race, Panerai British Classic Week and Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

At each event there will be opportunities for schools, youth groups and members of the public to view Gipsy Moth, including getting onboard and below decks.

In order to contribute to the running costs of the boat, there will also be opportunities for businesses, groups and individuals to charter Gipsy Moth during the events as well as throughout the year.

Whether you’re team building, impressing clients or have something to celebrate with friends and family, sailing on Gipsy Moth offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Eileen Skinner says ‘We look forward to seeing Gipsy Moth attend a variety of events and for as many people as possible to see this important part of British maritime history. Rob and I are also pleased and proud that the boat will continue to be used as a catalyst to help young people spend time on the water, build their confidence and learn new transferable skills which they can use in the future.’  

In preparation for its event attendance, Gipsy Moth IV had a refit over the winter. This work was carried out by a team that included several UKSA Apprentices. Before coming to UKSA these young people had been unemployed for six month and longer. They have retrained in a number of vocational skills to help them and are now heading back into employment both in the UK and overseas.

If you are interested in chartering Gipsy Moth IV or would like your school or youth group to spend time aboard or sailing the boat, please visit http://www.gipsymoth.org or email gmiv@uksa.org

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If you would like to spend time aboard or sailing Gipsy Moth as part of your media coverage please email luke.mccarthy@uksa.org

Gipsy Moth IV is a key part of national maritime heritage. In 1966 – 67, Sir Francis Chichester sailed her singlehanded around the world in 226 days.

In March 2011, owners of the boat Rob Thompson and Eileen Skinner sponsored the Outstanding Progress Award at UKSA’s Celebrating Achievement Awards. The award went to Josh Stickland for his approach to learning, teaching and progression. Josh now works as a Yachtmaster on a luxury motor yacht.

About UKSA

UKSA is the UK’s leading youth maritime charity, working to change lives through maritime education and personal development. 7,222 individuals benefited from UKSA’s charitable activity in 2010, of which 17.6 per cent received assisted funding from UKSA.

As a globally recognised professional training provider in yachting and watersports, UKSA has a strong alumni network in the global maritime industry. Its graduates include the world-renowned sailor Dee Caffari.

UKSA was founded by the retail entrepreneur Noel Lister.  The charity celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012.

http://www.uksa.org

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As a youth maritime charity, UKSA uses maritime education and on-the-water activities to inspire individuals and transform lives. Personal development, improved self esteem, broadened horizons and fulfilling maritime careers are just some of the outcomes.