Gipsy Moth IV leaving Buckler's Hard for Channel Islands

 HAMPSHIRE is about to lose the famous boat in which Sir Francis Chichester became the first person to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe.

Gipsy Moth IV, one of the star attractions at Buckler's Hard, has been sold and is due to relocate to the Channel Islands next month.

The 54ft ketch was owned by the Gipsy Moth Trust, which closed earlier this year after its finances were wrecked by the pandemic.

Her new owners are Peter Tom, chairman of Leicester Tigers rugby club, and Ian Walker, owner of the Little Big Hotel group.

The Hon Mary Montagu-Scott is commodore of the Beaulieu River Sailing Club.

She said: "We are sad to see Gipsy Moth IV leave but hope the Guernsey Sailing Trust continue to use her to inspire a new generation of young people to take up sailing.

"We hope Gipsy Moth will be a frequent visitor to the Beaulieu River in the future."