The historic yacht Gipsy Moth IV, in which Sir Francis Chichester completed his historic global circumnavigation in 1967, and which is based at UKSA in Cowes, will feature on the new British passport.
Immigration minister James Brokenshire announced the news yesterday (Tuesday), which will see a new passport design to celebrate British cultural heritage. Gipsy Moth IV will feature alongside William Shakespeare, the sculptor Anish Kapoor and a scene depicting the London Underground, among other designs.
Gipsy Moth IV – which is sponsored by Isle of Wight Councillor Chris Whitehouse’s PR firm, The Whitehouse Consultancy – set a series of records during Sir Francis Chichester’s voyage, including the fastest round-the-world voyage by a small vessel, the longest non-stop passage by a small vessel, and the then longest single-handed passage.
The vessel was restored by the UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) in 2005 and was bought by business partners Eileen Skinner and Rob Thompson in 2010 to keep the vessel in the UK. Gipsy Moth IV is now owned by a charitable trust, the Gipsy Moth Trust, created to preserve her in sailing condition and promote charitable activities.
Eileen Skinner, Founder Trustee of the Gipsy Moth Trust, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that Gipsy Moth IV is featuring on the new British passport. She is a key part of Britain’s national maritime heritage and, after almost losing her to a foreign buyer not long ago, we’re over the moon that she will now always, in a way, remain a fundamental part of Britain.
“Sir Francis Chichester is one of the most iconic figures in sailing history and our aim is to keep his legacy very much alive for future generations. We do hope this encourages and inspires people across the UK to visit her, sail her, and experience life aboard an essential part of maritime history”
Cllr Chris Whitehouse added:
“It’s absolutely fantastic that Gipsy Moth IV is featured in the new British passport. Sir Francis Chichester would have been delighted. Hopefully the publicity will be a real boost both for UKSA and for the charity that maintains her and which I’m proud my business has now sponsored for several years.”
