World-famous maritime jewellers, Benzie of Cowes, are to construct a £10,000 silver model of Gipsy Moth IV.

Chief silversmith Will Souter, 57, has already carved a wooden ‘plug’ for the fist-sized model and has a set of drawings to work from.

Will has made many silver models of yachts and also cufflinks and tie-pins bearing yacht club insignia. His silver model of the schooner America – which won the America’s Cup in 1851 – has also been sent back by its owners – the Royal Yacht Squadron – to Benzie for a face-lift. ‘People had been stubbing out cigars on her,’ said Will in disgust.