The youngster who admired Gipsy Moth IV’s departure for her world-girdling voyage in 1966 has seen his dream come true: 38 years on.

Howard Bentley, now 49, was just 11 when he became spell-bound by Sir Francis Chichester’s circumnavigation. He followed every news report and pestered his father to take him to Greenwich when Chichester returned to receive his Knighthood.

His own 8mm cine film has survived to this day and has helped win him a place aboard the yacht when she is restored. Howard is the first of six winners of the competition held by BBC TV South in conjunction with the United Kingdom Sailing Academy. The others will be announced in the future.

More information and details on how to help towards the restoration is available at www.gipsymoth.org.