Milford Marina will soon play host to the historic Gipsy Moth IV yacht and she’ll be offering people in Pembrokeshire the chance to sail aboard the famous vessel as part of its summer programme.

Gipsy Moth IV set a series of records during Sir Francis Chichester’s circumnavigation of the globe in 1967 including; the fastest round-the-world voyage by a small vessel, the longest non-stop passage by a small vessel and the then longest single-handed passage, and is now owned by a charitable trust created to preserve its history and promote charitable activities.

She comes to Pembrokeshire on August 2nd hot foot from taking part in the Queens Diamond Jubilee River Pageant at the start of the month.

Kevin Hobbs, Short Sea Director for Milford Haven Port Authority, who’s closely involved with her visit said, “We are honoured to be hosting Gipsy Moth IV at Milford Marina. She is a classic vessel with a rich history. All money raised through the sailing opportunities and the two shore based events will go directly to the Gipsy Moth Trust. This is a unique opportunity to sail on the vessel with the expertise of a professional skipper experiencing the wonderful scenery in the Haven Waterway”.

Eileen Skinner, Founder Trustee of the Gipsy Moth Trust, said, “Gipsy Moth IV occupies a special place in the UK’s maritime history, one that we are thrilled to be able to share with Milford Haven.  We are very hopeful that the public will take advantage of what is a unique opportunity to visit this iconic vessel, and that our visit can help inspire young people with the same sense of adventure and determination to achieve as Sir Francis Chichester”.

Gipsy Moth IV will be based at Milford Marina and will offer full day and half day sails until 11th August. There are also two opportunities onshore to hear about the work of the Gipsy Moth Trust; on 5th August there will be an informal evening buffet at Pembrokeshire Yacht Club at Gelliswick with guest speaker and raffle; and on 11th August, a Gala Dinner with Charity Auction will be held at the Lord Nelson Hotel.

The dinner will also feature an auction of a number of raffle prizes including some Gipsy Moth 1V 1960’s memorabilia and will include a small section of the original mizzen mast that was damaged during last year’s Round the Island race and a talk by the skipper Simon Bradley, who met Sir Francis Chichester just after his record breaking navigation in 1967.  Rob Thompson, who’s the Head of the Gipsy Moth Trust and originally from Milford Haven, will also be speaking. The 4 course dinner with wine is £35 per person.

To book tickets to events or sailings, please go to www.pembrokeshiremarinegroup.com/whats-on. For further information, on the Gipsy Moth Trust please visit www.gipsymoth.org and for Milford Haven events, please contact Melanie Jenkins at Milford Haven Port Authority on 01646 696380 or email melanie.jenkins@mhpa.co.uk.

-Ends-

Photo caption: Gipsy Moth IV

Notes to Editors:

Milford Haven Port Authority 
Milford Haven Port Authority is responsible for the biggest port in Wales, and the third largest port in the UK, handling over 71m gross tons of shipping which amounted to nearly 49m tonnes of cargo during 2011. One of the most prominent on the West Coast, it is in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only Coastal National Park in Great Britain.

Two Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities on its shores mean that a potential 30% of the UK's gas requirements will be processed through the Port.  With 25% of the UK's petrol and diesel provisions already being handled on the Waterway, Milford Haven is emerging as the new energy capital of the UK.

Milford Haven Port Authority is a trust port –an independent, commercially run organisation that has statutory responsibilities governed by its Acts, to maintain and improve navigation and the provision of Port and Harbour services and facilities.  All profits are retained within the Authority to fund these objectives. 

For further information, visit www.mhpa.co.uk or contact: 
Diana Harries 
Milford Haven Port Authority 
01646 696100 
diana.harries@mhpa.co.uk