Gipsy Moth IV’s main and mizzen masts have been unstepped in preparation for the 53ft ketch’s passage on a ship from Tahiti to Auckland, New Zealand.

The cradle required for shipment is being constructed by TECHNIMARINE in Tahiti and should be finished soon.

Many Tahitians have offered support to the project, and the UK Sailing Academy has received letters and e-mails spurring on the project since she was damaged on a South Sea reef a week ago while making her second circumnavigation.