Gipsy Moth

[mikefleetwood]

As far as preserving Gypsy Moth IV for the nation, I guess the question is, Why? As far as I can see, she is ONLY famous because Chichester took her round the world. She isn't a particularly fine example of a class of yacht, nor is she at the head of a new class of yacht. So, why preserve her, rather than hundreds of other rather similar yachts of the same period?

But surely that's the whole reason why a historical object should be preserved? It's not that the object is of itself particularly important, it's about what was done in/on/to it that makes it significant and worthy of preserving.

Remember, when it's gone it's gone and can't be brought back. A copy, or worse still, an "improved" copy will be just that - a copy, with no link to hitorical events.

Personally, I don't think it important that it still sails (although that would be nice), just that it be kept so future generations can contemplate the journey made, at a time when the world seemed bigger.

 

[flipper]

I remember going on board when she was in Greenwich in the early 70's by the Cutty Sark. Well I think I did as I can vividly remember she had a gimballed saloon table and seating. Then again I was only about five so may have dreamt that...

In any case I thik she should be kept in a museum as part of our maritime heritage. She must have cost a packet to fix after going onto that reef a few years ago.

Could end up a bit like Trigger's broom otherwise

 

[DavidNB]

I remember as a kid, soon after the event we went on a boat trip which pulled along side her and we all had chance to touch her. Anyone know where that would of been? And yes it should be saved in a museum for others to touch and get the 'Bug'

 

[Boreades]

It seems we've all been talking about Gypsy Moth IV.

In case anyone's interested, Gypsy Moth III is in excellent condition, after a total refit + lots of TLC, and is afloat in Mayflower Marina, looking quite splendid.

I've no idea where Gypsy Moth I and II are.

 

[islandsailor]

UKSA bought her for a pound (with some very heavy involvement from YW / IPC) she was refitted by Charitable Donations on the basis she would be saved for the nation.

Why the Maritime Trust (who sold her to UKSA ) did not make some legal provision that she could not be sold in the future (having given her away for a pound and a G and T) is beyond me.

I understand that the National Maritime Museum have offered to preserve her for future generations but will not pay 1/4 Million for her.

UKSA should donate her to the National Maritime Museum.

 

[chippysmith]

Were not the original Gipsy moths planes?

 

[Jeremy_W]

It seems we've all been talking about Gypsy Moth IV.

In case anyone's interested, Gypsy Moth III is in excellent condition, after a total refit + lots of TLC, and is afloat in Mayflower Marina, looking quite splendid.

I've no idea where Gypsy Moth I and II are.

GM I was his plane. GM 2 was his first yacht (a 30-footer IIRC).

 

[Duffer]

UKSA bought her for a pound (with some very heavy involvement from YW / IPC) she was refitted by Charitable Donations on the basis she would be saved for the nation.

Why the Maritime Trust (who sold her to UKSA ) did not make some legal provision that she could not be sold in the future (having given her away for a pound and a G and T) is beyond me.

I understand that the National Maritime Museum have offered to preserve her for future generations but will not pay 1/4 Million for her.

UKSA should donate her to the National Maritime Museum.

Quite right!

 

[DanTribe]

I understand that the National Maritime Museum have offered to preserve her for future generations but will not pay 1/4 Million for her.

UKSA should donate her to the National Maritime Museum.

Who owned her when she was at Greenwich?
National Maritime Museum or LB Greenwich?
Either way it was a disgrace as she slowly mouldered into a tatty ornament.
If she can't be kept sailing, better she was left to die on the reef and we just kept her memory.

 

[Duffer]

Who owned her when she was at Greenwich?
National Maritime Museum or LB Greenwich?
Either way it was a disgrace as she slowly mouldered into a tatty ornament.
If she can't be kept sailing, better she was left to die on the reef and we just kept her memory.

Don't agree. She could be kept indoors, maybe at Falmouth. On your argument why should we bother to preserve any historic vessel? Yes I would prefer her to keep sailing but that requires additional support to enable that to happen.

 

[DanTribe]

Don't agree. She could be kept indoors, maybe at Falmouth. On your argument why should we bother to preserve any historic vessel? Yes I would prefer her to keep sailing but that requires additional support to enable that to happen.

You misunderstand me.
I agree with you that she should be preserved IF she could be kept and maintained in a respectable manner.
My gripe was about the way she was left to deteriorate in a concrete pit at Greenwich, prey to vandals & graffitti yobs.
It was a very sorry and depressing sight.

 

[jonjo]

As far as preserving Gypsy Moth IV for the nation, I guess the question is, Why? As far as I can see, she is ONLY famous because Chichester took her round the world. She isn't a particularly fine example of a class of yacht

I feel exactly the same about HMS Victory, what an ugly high freeboard tub, her VMG is awful and all those in-hull windows are oh so 1765.

 

[Duffer]

You misunderstand me.
I agree with you that she should be preserved IF she could be kept and maintained in a respectable manner.
My gripe was about the way she was left to deteriorate in a concrete pit at Greenwich, prey to vandals & graffitti yobs.
It was a very sorry and depressing sight.

Fair enough. I agree she got into a sorry state at Greenwich. I hope she can be properly preserved for the future. I don't think many boats of that era will be preserved, not by the public at any rate. I think there is a slight feeling that "we" paid to rescue her once and shouldn't have to again so soon. Perhaps YM needs to start another campaign. I understand the main interest so far has come from abroad so maybe there is a British philanthropist who can step in.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Interesting.

.... I understand the main interest so far has come from abroad .....

I'd be interested to know where you understand this from.

 

[Ludd]

I am old enough to recall the event - and thought it was over-blown at the time. Alec Rose's quiet modesty made a much bigger impression on me.

Seconded!
Also, if I recall correctly most of the money was put up by someone else,and his attitude in the book was less than gracious to that person. Had the book,gave it to a charity shop.
Not so the two I have on "Slocum"!

 

[samhotchin]

Gipsy Moth for sale @ £200k?

Who will receive the proceeds of sale? She cost over £1m to renovate. Any chance of an advert/editorial in Yachting Monthly?

 

[alant]

Anyone know 'real' renovation costs?

Who will receive the proceeds of sale? She cost over £1m to renovate. Any chance of an advert/editorial in Yachting Monthly?

I seemed to remember 'big' cost figures like this, but recent searches have found UKSA claiming it was only £300,000.

Also seem to remember it cost lot more than £300k to renovate after being stranded on the coral reef.

Me getting senile or what?

 

[Seajet]

The question of the boat having been restored by public donations is interesting, - only a lucky few getting to sail her, and we know how that turned out; ( personally I thought the skipper was let down by her crew ).

Anyone who reads 'The Lonely Sea and The Sky' - written well before Gypsy Moth IIIV - can only think 'Jeez', what a bloke ! '

Just because F.C. was unhappy with her handling - how many modern singlehanders, let alone if of small stature and seriously ill - would take on such a boat in the first place ? - she shouldn't have the country turn our backs to her.

This boat should be in the Maritime Museum at Falmouth, full stop; if we let her go abroad, UK might as well close up shop.

BTW I once met Sir Alec Rose, and as a boy collected his autograph, a wonderful chap.

The last time I saw 'Lively Lady' was in Port Solent a few years ago, I hope she gets looked after - Falmouth Museum seems a fitting place for her too.

If funds are a snag to preserve these boats, it's a disgrace and should be brought to public attention; the government or for that matter Royalty could sort it in seconds, seems bankers are worth preserving but I'd like them 'preserved' in a pickle jar !

 

[Duffer]

I'd be interested to know where you understand this from.

Sorry I missed this first time round. There was a piece on the telly and perhaps it was someone from the broker (Berthons?) who said this. Perhaps they were just trying to provoke a reaction. I agree with Seajet's post - it would be a great shame if she did go abroad.