Sir Francis Chichester’s achievements

1929: Solo flight from London to Sydney. 14,561 miles (23,297 km) in 182.5 flying hours. Total time, 41 days

1931: Solo first across the Tasman Sea from Auckland via Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands to Jervis Bay, Australia.  Awarded the Johnston Memorial Trophy for his achievement.

1960: Winner of the first Observer single-handed transatlantic race (OSTAR) in 40 days, sailing Gipsy Moth III

1964: Second finisher in second OSTAR race in 29 days, 23 hours, 57 minutes, again sailing Gipsy Moth III

1967: First ‘one-stop solo circumnavigation with Gipsy Moth IV, 28,500 miles (45,600 km) in a sailing time of 226 days

Fastest voyage around the world by any small vessel - approximately twice as fast.

Longest passage that had been made by a small vessel without a port of call - 15,500 miles (24,800 km). More than twice the distance of the previous longest passage by a singlehander. 15,500 miles compared to 7,400 miles

Twice broke the record for a singlehander's week's run by more than 100 miles (160 km). Set a single-handed record by covering 1,400 miles (2,240 km) from point to point in 8 days Twice exceeded the single-handed speed record for a long passage - 131 3/4 miles per day for 107 days and 130 1/4 miles per day for 119 days. Third true circumnavigation of a small vessel via Cape Horn.

1971: Solo transatlantic crossing in Gipsy Moth V. Achieved 1,006.5 miles during one five day section and 1,058.5 on another 5 day time span close to the finish.

Other special features about Gipsy Moth IV and Sir Francis Chichester:

• Gipsy Moth IV in dry-dock at Greenwich today

• Gipsy Moth IV achievements

• 30th Anniversary of the record-breaking round-the-world voyage

• Sir Francis Chichester pen-picture

• Cutty Sark - Tea Clipper in dry-dock at Greenwich

With thanks to the Chichester archive. All photographic material and originals of text can be obtained from PPL. Please contact them at: [email protected]