Shannon, an Explorer Scout in the 13th Fife (Rosyth Methodist) Scout Group, was selected to take part in a 'once in a life time' opportunity to sail on the Gipsy Moth IV on the Thailand to Sri Lanka Leg. The 17 year-old was chosen after a selection weekend, that included team-building activities and sailing on 'Laser Picos' and Keelboats' held at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) from the 25th to 26th August. Shannon impressed a panel of judges so greatly with his honesty, respect and teamwork skills, he became the obvious choice to be sent out to the Gipsy Moth IV in January 2007.
Scottish winner Shannon, had no previous sailing experience and was thrilled when he received the letter informing him that he had been chosen to participate in the voyage. "As soon as I opened it and saw the word "Congratulations" I was in tears, the feeling was amazing. I called my girlfriend, my mum and even my dad (who is working in America) and yet still didn't believe it myself."
Volvo Car UK (a sponsor of The Scout Association) has been a sponsor of the Gipsy Moth IV project, that saw the famous yacht taken from its rotting state in Greenwich, London and lovingly restored in Gosport, Hampshire, to its former glory. The crew-place on Gypsy Moth IV was offered by Volvo Car UK as part of a competition to all members of over 130 Volvo RYA Champion Clubs, relatives of Volvo employees and The Scout Association. The applicants, all between 16 and 20 years of age, were then filtered down to 16 outstanding youngsters who attended the selection weekend on the Isle of Wight.
Shannon will be sailing the Gipsy Moth IV from Phuket, Thailand to Galle, Sri Lanka between the 2nd and 19th January 2007 (after flying to Thailand on 31st December 2006). During the journey Shannon will be involved in the day to day running of the ship including navigating and cooking. Shannon will keep a video diary and record sightings of mammals and sea life along the route. He will be encouraged to learn more about each country's culture and will be actively involved in local community and environmental projects at the stopover points.
Double gold medallist Shirley Robertson, Ambassador for the UKSA and Team Volvo for life member, commented, "I'm so pleased that fellow Scot, Shannon has been given this opportunity. The Gipsy Moth IV project has been very successful in giving many youngsters the chance to meet people and see places they would never have dreamed of."
Gipsy Moth IV is a key part of Britain`s national maritime heritage, and represents a significant milestone in the history of world sailing.
It was the yacht, which Sir Francis Chichester sailed into the record book with, on his circumnavigation in 1966.
Hopefully Shannon will be able to add some regular blogs to our website - www.13thexplorers.org.uk Blog - if you are interested in hearing of his progress!
Terry O Neill
Explorer Scout Leader
13th Fife Explorer Scouts
e-mail: esl@13thexplorers.org.uk
website: www.13thexplorers.org.uk
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