Thanks to Chris for sharing news of this upcoming auction. Ed
Gipsy Moth IV, the iconic yacht that carried Sir Francis Chichester on his record breaking circumnavigation of the globe in 1967, is to be made available for a once in a lifetime sailing experience to raise funds for an Isle of Wight School.
Christ the King College will be offering two unique and unrepeatable half days sailing for up to six people, with a professional skipper and mate, provided by the Cowes based UK Sailing Academy, on the world renowned yacht during the week of the unrivalled Panerai Classic Regatta in Cowes, as lots in an auction of promises it will be hosting on Saturday 29 June.
Send in your sealed bids
The College and the Gipsy Moth Trust, the charity that owns and maintains Gipsy Moth IV, is urging sailing enthusiasts to submit sealed bids for the lots before 12noon on Friday 28 June.
Participants will need to confirm when during the regatta week (6-13 July) they wish to redeem the sailing experience by 1 July 2013. The excursion will be available for groups of up to six people – four of whom must be adults, with any children aged over eight years.
The Trust and UKSA will are providing the professional skipper and his mate as well as all wet weather and safety gear necessary for the excursion.
Stunningly generous offer
Mrs Pat Goodhead, Principal of Christ the King’s College, said:
“We are extremely grateful to the Gipsy Moth Trust and UKSA for this stunningly generous offer, which we hope will help us in raising money for much needed Sixth Form facilities and resources for our wonderful young people.
“Gipsy Moth IV is known around the world, and we hope this provides an opportunity for real sailing enthusiasts to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.”
Rob Thompson, Founder Trustee of the Gipsy Moth Trust, said:
“One of our goals as a charitable trust is to make Gipsy Moth IV available for both charitable endeavours and the general public. We are delighted to be able to support such a worthy cause and hope this will provide an unrepeatable opportunity for sailors, whether from the Isle of Wight or further afield.”
Cllr Chris Whitehouse, Conservative Newport West Ward, who sponsored Gipsy Moth IV in last week’s Round the Island Race and who arranged the prize says:
“There are five schools in and around my ward of Newport West; I do all that I can to support them not only in raising funds, but also in driving up standards. I was over the moon to secure this once in a lifetime opportunity for Christ the King’s auction of promises.
“Let’s hope they raise enough money to get their sixth form building properly fitted out and that the publicity gives a boost to the excellent UKSA in Cowes where Gipsy Moth IV is berthed.”
Firm bids for the sealed auction can be submitted to [email protected].
Find out more about Gipsy Moth Trust by visiting their Website.
Image: © Gipsy Moth Trust
