BLUEMOMENT

Recently, I found a hard back copy of Gipsy Moth Circles The World by Francis Chichester.

I've read the story previously, but at that time, I wasn't into sailing. I used to read all sorts of non fictional adventure stories.

A few things struck me this time round.

Chichester had the strength of character to fly solo round the world, and to contemplate sailing solo around the world. Why then, was he pushed/persuaded into accepting a boat design so different in length, weight, and hull form, from his origional wish?

Why did the Illingworth design produce a boat with so many poor habits?

Why did Chichester venture into the Southern Ocean with a stores storage system which couldn't withstand a knockdown?

Ash

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"This is a sailing Forum"

I've also read Further Offshore by Illingworth which contains his side of the story as an aside in a couple of pages.

He says that he accepted a brief to design a boat that could be single-handed non-stop around the world faster than had been done before with only very broad guidelines on design. Chichester then introduced specific, and to Illingworth conflicting design requirements which meant that he was unable to draw an integrated boat.

To me, it smacks of the conflict of two large egos.

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we are star dust

Interesting - will need to have a look.

Chichester asked that the keel be changed from a short deep one amidships, and it was extended back to the rudder. I assume that 'short' means a small chord. Was it this extension which caused her to either gripe up to windward, or fall off to leeward depending on the angle of heel - within a few degrees of a critical angle.

Chichester also wanted a bigger sailplan for light airs - provided through big genoas.

GM IV seemed very tender, even after cutting out bits of the deadwood, and adding 2,400 lbs of lead.

I don't know what her ballast ratio is - don't suppose that she has a lot of form stability.

Will need to read some accounts of her recent voyaging - how many changes were made during her refurb?

Ash

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"This is a sailing Forum"

Nick's got my copy on long-term loan. Perhaps he'll lend it to you?

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we are star dust

Cheers - I'll keep that in mind if I'm up that way over the winter - gives me a reason to knock on his door and say Hi.

BTW - Are you and/or Nick coming to the Glasgow Drink Meet?

Ash

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"This is a sailing Forum"

My protracted clear out continues. I've got a copy of his The Lonely Sea and the Sky which could go to an interested party. I think I'm going to have to start asking for postage plus small honorarium for handling. Any takers could donate summat to a worthy cause; didn't Nick do a fundraiser with a multitool ? That's the sort of thing. Any offers

Hi, If it's still available I'll have it. Happy to pay postage? Have PM'd my address and e-mail.

Cheers.

A book I want to read, (GM circles the world) as I have read quite a few others, do you know if it is still available off the shelf?
C_W

But if you wanted to buy through Amazon - DO NOT use the link I provided - use the link to Amazon from the top of the page.
Sorry Nick.