Pip Hare aims to become the first woman to complete the Vendée Globe twice

A sailor is aiming to become the first woman to complete the 24,300-mile (45,000km) round-the-world race for the second time.

Pip Hare, 50, was born in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and grew up in Suffolk, where he learned to sail on the River Deben.

She set off on her 60-foot yacht Medallia on Sunday and described the experience as “surreal.”

“When you get off the dock and you see your family and friends waiting on the boat, it’s very emotional,” she said. “Then we leave the marina and head down the canal lined with people and they just don’t stop cheering. It’s a great way to start this race.”

The seafarer, who is based in Poole, Dorset, added: “It’s a completely different experience to 2020, when I was walking alone on the docks, not being able to touch anyone as we were under coronavirus restrictions.”

Hare, who founded the racing team in 2019 with a £25,000 bank loan and a crowdfunding appeal, finished in the top 10 in the prestigious and grueling race, which saw the number of participating yachts expanded to 40 from 33 previously. It is expected that there is a possibility that

“For me, this is my version of the World Cup or the Olympics,” she explained.

“This is the Vendée Globe race. It’s the toughest sailing race in the world.”

Hare, who previously competed in the race in 2020 and finished 19th, said she can’t wait to perform in the 10th race.

“You’re going to be a person flying across the waves in a high-performance boat in a part of the world that few people see,” she said.

“You are the interface between human ingenuity and the forces of nature.

“I can’t wait to perform to the best of my ability in the sport I love.”

Mr. Hare will depart from Les Sables d’Olonne and spend three months completely alone.

She explained that the 40 sailors competing will be challenging the weather and huge waves while piloting high-performance boats.

When asked what she does about sleep, Hare said: “I sleep for about 20 minutes, but when I’m in the southern seas and there’s not much traffic and the weather is very stable, I might sleep for an hour or so.”Half. ”

All of her meals are prepared by her team and she will be consuming between 3,500 and 4,500 calories per day.

Approximately 200 sailors have participated in the Vendée Globe over the years, but due to the extreme conditions only 114 were actually able to cross the finish line.

The sailors will take a route south through Africa, then east toward Australasia.

It will then orbit Antarctica, sail near the tip of South America, and head through the Atlantic Ocean to France.

Halle said she is often asked if she became lonely during her voyage.

“I always say in response to this question that there is a big difference between being alone and being alone,” she said.

“I choose to be alone, but no one chooses to be alone.

“I know that I have friends, family and people watching the race. I know that so many people are thinking of me and wishing me well. I know they’ll be there when I get home.”