| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom | |
| Name | Gipsy Moth IV |
| Owner | Francis Chichester |
| Launched | March 1966 |
| In service | 27 August 1966 |
| Status | In active service with the "Royal Thames Yacht Club" |
| Notes | Restored in 2004 and 2022 |
| General characteristics | |
| Sail plan | Ketch |
Gipsy Moth IV is a 53 ft (16 m) ketch that Sir Francis Chichester commissioned specifically to sail single-handed around the globe, racing against the times set by the clipper ships of the 19th century.
Gipsy Moth IV was the first ever purpose-built ocean racer and has over the years become the most famous of small sailing vessels. Gipsy Moth IV's voyage was the inspiration for the Golden Globe Race (GGR) which continues today.
The name, the fourth boat in Chichester's series, all named Gipsy Moth, originated from the de Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft in which Chichester completed pioneering work in aerial navigation techniques.