The historic yacht Gipsy Moth IV is to be preserved as a national maritime monument, it was announced on Thursday.

Sir Francis Chichester aboard The Gypsy Moth IV
Treasured: Sir Francis Chichester aboard The Gypsy Moth IV at Greenwich, London (PA)

The yacht was sailed around the world in 226 days by Sir Francis Chichester in 1966/67.

She will be safeguarded for new generations by The Gipsy Moth Trust, which was launched this week at Cowes.

‘She can still turn heads and there is still a huge amount of goodwill and fondness for her,’ said co-owner Rob Thompson.

A deal struck by Mr Thompson and Eileen Skinner, owners since October, with the maritime charity UKSA will aim to make her financially self-financing in the next four years.

Schools, youth groups and members of the public will get chances to view the yacht and go below decks.

The boat will attend at least four public events a year and can be hired for sailing.

She is taking part in the Panerai British Classic Week on the Solent with 72 yachts dating from 1894 to the 1970s.

‘Most people over 50 remember the Gipsy Moth story and Sir Francis bringing her back in 1967,’ said Ms Skinner.