Peter Blake's son a chip off the old block

Sir Peter Blake's son James arrives in Auckland next week to help repair the famous Gipsy Moth IV, then join it on the next stage of its circumnavigation of the globe.

Gipsy Moth made maritime history in 1966-67 when Sir Francis Chichester achieved the fastest solo circumnavigation in the small vessel, sailing from Plymouth to Sydney and back via Cape Horn in just 274 days.

Relaunched last June after being restored, Gipsy Moth ran aground on a reef north-west of Rangiroa Atoll in French Polynesia this month, during a commemorative circumnavigation to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Sir Francis Chichester's feat.

The yacht suffered hull damage and was shipped to Auckland, where it arrived on Wednesday and is being repaired at the Emirates Team New Zealand base. Organisers hope it will be ready for the next leg to Sydney on its original departure date of June 23.

Britain-based Blake is expected here next week and will help with repairs before joining the crew on the next stage of the voyage, which is not about setting records but changing the lives of those involved.

The crew - changed in every leg - comprises six people. This includes three aged between 16 and 23, some of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds or suffer from learning difficulties or cancer.

They are accompanied by lead skipper Richard Baggett and two sailors.

The 30,000-plus-nautical-mile journey, which started in September, is expected to take 22 months to complete and incorporates 32 stopovers. However, funding is needed.

ASB Bank is setting up a NZ donations facility. There is an opportunity for young New Zealanders to join the crew for some of the journey. For information see www.gipsymoth.org.