The United Kingdom Sailing Academy – the new owners of Gipsy Moth IV – have lobbied 750 yacht clubs throughout the UK to join the GMIV 1,000 Supporters Club.

They hope club members will band together to raise £1,000 each for entry to the club and to help with the 54 ft ketch’s ongoing restoration at Camper & Nicholsons yard in Gosport.

The UKSA and Yachting Monthly are seeking funds to get GMIV sailing again for a Trade Winds circumnavigation in 2006 to celebrate the magazine’s centenary and the 40th anniversary of Francis Chichester’s circumnavigation.

Greenwich Yacht Club has joined – banding together with the Ocean Cruising Club, and Blue Water Rallies. Other members include Tom Pindar, proprietor of Pindar, the printing company which sponsors offshore racing.

All members will receive a piece of GMIV mounted on a plaque. To join visit www.gipsymoth.org/donation. htm or call Frank Fletcher, partnership manager on Tel: 01983 203017.