Pip Hare Embarks on Second Global Circumnavigation Attempt, Aims for Record

Pip Hare, a 50-year-old sailor who previously resided in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and honed her sailing skills on Suffolk’s River Deben, is attempting to become the first woman to complete a 24,300-mile (45,000km) global race for a second time. On Sunday, she commenced her journey aboard her 60ft yacht, Medallia, characterizing this particular experience as “surreal.” “Coming down the dock, your family and friends are waiting at the boat and that’s pretty emotional,” she stated. She added, “Then you sail out of the marina down a canal lined by people and they don’t stop cheering. It’s a fantastic way to start this race.” Ms. Hare, who is based in Poole, Dorset, further commented: “It’s a completely different experience to 2020 when I walked down the dock alone, not able to touch anyone because we were under Covid restrictions.” Ms. Hare, who established her racing team in 2019 using a £25,000 bank loan and a crowdfunding appeal, is considered a potential top 10 finisher in this demanding and esteemed competition, which has grown to include 40 yachts, up from 33 previously. She elaborated, “For me this is my version of a World Cup or the Olympics.” She described the event: “It’s the Vendée Globe race – it’s the toughest sailing race in the world.” Having participated in the race in 2020, where she secured 19th place, Ms. Hare expressed her eagerness to compete in its 10th edition. “Being a human being on a high performance boat that is flying above the surface of the waves in a place in the world that so few people will ever see,” she remarked. She continued, “You are the interface between man’s ingenuity and the power of nature.” “I can’t wait to go out and perform at the top of my ability in a sport that I love,” she concluded. Departing from Les Sables-d’Olonne, Ms. Hare is scheduled to spend three months entirely alone. She clarified that the 40 competing sailors will contend with adverse weather and massive waves while simultaneously managing their high-performance vessels. Regarding sleep, Ms. Hare explained: “You sleep for about 20 minutes and maybe in the southern ocean when there’s no traffic around and the weather is very stable you might be able to sleep for an hour or an hour and a half.” Her team has fully prepared her food, and she plans to consume between 3,500 and 4,500 calories daily. Historically, approximately 200 sailors have participated in the Vendée Globe; however, only 114 have successfully completed the race, a testament to its extreme conditions. Competitors will navigate a southerly course past the African continent before turning east towards Australasia. Subsequently, they will circumnavigate Antarctica, proceed near the southern tip of South America, and then sail northward through the Atlantic Ocean en route to France. Hare mentioned that she is frequently questioned about experiencing loneliness during her voyages. She responded, “I always say in answer to this question there is a massive difference between being lonely and being alone.” “I choose to be alone, nobody chooses to be lonely,” she affirmed. She concluded, “I know I have my friends, my family, the people who follow the race, I know there are so many people thinking of me, wishing me well, and I know they’re going to be there when I get home.” Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.