THE historic yacht Gipsy Moth IV, on which Sir Francis Chichester sailed single-handed around the world, hopes to inspire British sailors during the 2012 Games.

The new owners of GMIV – The Gipsy Moth IV Trust – are keen for the sail training vessel to pay a visit to Weymouth during its summer 2012 tour of the South West and Channel Islands.

New skipper Rob Shapland-Hill said if the go-ahead by the borough harbour authorities to operate day sails during the Weymouth and Portland hosted Olympic Sailing events, the iconic yacht would also open its gangplank to the public for open days.

Mr Shapland-Hill said: “We want to bring her to Weymouth without a doubt.

“The plan and the hope is to bring her down for the Olympics, she’s a flagship and iconic vessel that turns heads wherever she goes.

“A number of the Olympic competitors may have been inspired to go to sea because of Sir Francis Chichester and his achievements.

“I am currently in discussion with the harbour authorities regarding sailing access during the games but am hopeful we will be able to arrange something.

“She is an extremely iconic vessel and the trust has clear objectives to keep the legacy of Sir Francis Chichester very much alive and to spark the imagination of generations both old and new.”

He added: “Obviously there are going to be massive restrictions on boat movement in Weymouth but as the boat is owned by a charitable trust and it’s an expensive boat to maintain it has to earn its keep.

“We hope to be able to run three-hour crewing trips on board. If we can’t sail because of the Olympics it might render that obsolete.

“If we are able to come and sail her we would also be welcoming people to come down and have a look.”

Sir Francis Chichester sailed the Gipsy Moth IV single-handed around the world in 1966-7.

The Devon adventurer inspired the whole nation throughout his career – from pioneer pilot between the wars to daring solo yachtsman in the 1960s and he challenged everyone to reach further and higher in their lives.

Now owned by the Gipsy Moth Trust, the 53ft (16m) ketch is managed by UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) whose work helps young people change their lives through maritime education and personal development.

It is based at the charity’s headquarters in Cowes and available for attendance at events and for individual or corporate charter.

Visit gipsymoth.org to find out more.