Eight lucky youngsters had the opportunity to set sail on the historic yacht in which Sir Francis Chichester circumnavigated the globe in 1967, Gipsy Moth IV, as part of a visit to Panerai British Class Week in Cowes with KIDS, the charity that works with disabled young people and their families.
 
KIDS works extensively with disabled children across England, supporting them as they grow and helping them to enjoy their childhood. Eight 15-17 year olds took part in the visit to Gipsy Moth IV, the aim of which was to encourage them to be more adventurous and to challenge themselves in a new environment. KIDS works with children and young people to help them make friends and learn life skills that will allow them to feel more confident and independent as they move towards adulthood.
 
Gipsy Moth IV, the 60ft ketch saved from falling to pieces at Greenwich thanks to a campaign to restore her masterminded by Yachting Monthly, is famous for setting a series of records during Sir Francis Chichester’s voyage, was moored at Cowes between 6-13 July as part of her summer programme, which is intended to make the iconic vessel available to the public, raise funds for her upkeep through private charters and to promote charitable activities, with an emphasis on introducing a new generation of young people to maritime challenge.
 
Gipsy Moth IV is owned by the Gipsy Moth Trust which was created to preserve her history and promote charitable activities, and her summer programme will be supported by communications specialists The Whitehouse Consultancy, which has put in place a sponsorship package for the historic vessel.
 
Eileen Skinner, Founder Trustee of the Gipsy Moth Trust, said:
 
“We are thrilled to have hosted KIDS during Cowes week and honoured to be able to demonstrate our support of the charity’s admirable work and vision. Gipsy Moth IV has been an inspiration to young people for decades, and has provided them with opportunities to learn new skills, value their own self-worth and grow as individuals. We are delighted that this year she can once again help inspire future generations. We hope that this experience gave our guests a unique opportunity to have fun, be creative and socialise, as well as realise their aspirations through Sir Francis Chichester’s extraordinary achievements.”
 
Helen Mitchell, Director of Fundraising at KIDS, said:
 
“KIDS is incredibly grateful to Panerai and the Gipsy Moth Trust for offering this wonderful opportunity to our young people. Experiences like these are so important as they encourage our teenagers to be adventurous, and for young people who are often overprotected and used to others making decisions on their behalf, this is paramount in building their confidence. We would like to extend a huge thank you on behalf of KIDS and the young people who attended this fantastic day out.”
 
Bookings of Gipsy Moth IV can be made by contacting Ian Clarke on Ic.gipsymothtrust@btinternet.com.