A FLOTILLA of vintage craft greeted Gipsy Moth IV, the boat made famous by Francis Chichester when he sailed it single-handedly around the world 39 years ago, as it arrived in Sydney yesterday for only the second time.

Its arrival marked the halfway point in an against-all-odds re- enactment of Chichester’s historic voyage, which began in Plymouth, England, in August 1966. It was the first true solo circumnavigation of the globe via the three capes and was the fastest trip around the world by any small vessel. It was also notable for Chichester’s age at the time, 65.

His round-the-world expedition captured the world’s imagination, made front-page headlines in Australia and became a symbol of human triumph in the face of adversity.

While Chichester died of lung cancer in 1972, those re-enacting his trip are sure he would have been proud of their efforts.

Skipper Richard Baggett said even with six crew on board, the 16m- long Gipsy Moth IV was not the easiest boat to sail and his admiration for Chichester’s achievements had only grown. Young people, some of whom had never seen the sea before, have won coveted places to work as crew on parts of the re-enactment.

“Chichester would have loved what we are doing with the boat,” Baggett said. “He was all about rising to challenges and pushing theenvelope, and sharing that with young people.”

More than 250,000 people turned out to watch Gipsy Moth IV when it returned to Plymouth in May 1967, while millions watched on television.

The yacht was stored in dry dock in Greenwich, London, until last year, when it was restored by enthusiasts following a campaign, called Stop the Rot, by Yachting Monthly magazine. It was then decided to re-enact Chichester’s voyage.

Expedition spokeswoman Anna Symcox said she could not wipe the smile off her face at the sight of the Gipsy Moth IV sailing under the Harbour Bridge.

“It is one of the most perfect moments, to have got halfway round the world,” she said. “We have achieved so much. It is the halfway point and we are heading home after this.

“People said we couldn’t do it. I think that is what drove Chichester as well. There have been dark times when we ran out of money, but something always came up to save the day. It is the Chichester touch.”

Chichester was the author of books including Solo to Sydney (1931), Alone Across the Atlantic (1961), The Lonely Sea and the Sky (1964) and Gipsy Moth Circles the World (1967).

Gipsy Moth IV will be open to the public at the National Maritime Museum next weekend.

On Thursday, Princess Anne, in Sydney as part of a tour of the Pacific region, will go for a sail aboard the yacht.