A target of £400,000 has been set to fund the voyage and secure the yacht's future.

The global voyage is divided into 28 legs, with three young people crewing on each leg.

Places on the voyage are being allocated through specially selected schools and organisations, which include The Ellen MacArthur Trust, RYA Sailability, The Brightside Trust, Save the Children, Crime Concern and Columba 1400, as well as disadvantaged young people from schools in areas including Peckham, Plymouth, Scarborough, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

It's expected that thousands of youngsters will follow Gipsy Moth IV's voyage as the whole project will be viewable via the web on Gipsy Moth TV at www.gipsymoth.org Footage will include the trials and tribulations and the youngster's views on the environmental issues they encounter.

There are many ways for companies and individuals to help fund this voyage. You can support a voyage place for £5,000 or an entire leg for £15,000. You can join the exclusive 1000 Club for a minimum of £1000 and receive a limited edition silk tie and invitations to key events, or you can become a project supporter for as little as £10.

Donations can be made through the donations hotline 01983 203017, online at www.gipsymoth.org or by sending a cheque payable to Gipsy Moth IV to: The Gipsy Moth IV Project, c/o UK Sailing Academy, West Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7PQ.