PQBH Marina Guide 2022 v10

Pip Hare
What 2022 holds for professional
solo sailor, Pip Hare
When a Southern Ocean storm takes
you in its grip and pushes you and your
boat to the limit – it’s the most amazing
feeling in the world. Terrifying. Exhausting.
Exhilarating.
But sitting here now, just over a year since
I started the Vendée Globe, it’s hard to
remember exactly what it was like. The
noise of the wind, the feel of the boat,
the slam of the hull as you’re launched
off waves. And I miss it – that freedom
to make my own decisions, the single
goal of getting to the finish line and the
sheer joy of being at sea where I belong.
I spent 30 years getting to that moment
– and I’m determined to spend the next 3
years getting back. But this time I’ll be in a
competitive boat, with a professional team
behind me and I’ll be battling with the front
of the fleet.
When I lit flares as I sailed back into Les
Sables d’Olonne I knew that I wanted to be
back on the start line in 2024. No questions,
no hesitation.
The 2020/21 Vendée Globe was always
about learning – about the race and
about myself. I was incredibly happy with
my performance last year, but I also know
there’s so much I want to – and can –
improve on.
So now I’m building my campaign for 2024
– with a fast new boat and a professional
team – from my base in Poole. I’m proud
to be part of this vibrant community that
gave me so much support during the
race, and it’s brilliant to be back on the
quayside here. The pace at which my team
and I have worked through 2021 has been
ferocious. Together we have grown both
the sailing team and my business from my
‘one woman band’ to a crew of thirteen full
and part time staff running a foiling IMOCA
campaign.
I’m delighted that my title sponsor from
the last race, Medallia, is also with for this
next step. It’s testament to the strong
relationship we’ve built and my belief
that my sponsors are an integral part
of my team. But to make the most of this
opportunity, I need to find more like-minded
businesses to join me, so the search for
more support is one of my team’s priorities
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The Poole Harbour and Marina Guide 2022