5 February 2025

Charlie Dalin has won the Vendée Globe 2024-25, smashing the previous course record by nice days and eight hours. Completing this gruelling around-the-world ocean race is a significant achievement. 

For Pip Hare, however, the race brought a different set of challenges. The International SeaKeepers Society UK’s Educational Outreach Partner and one of only six female competitors of the 40 qualified entrants, faced a difficult setback midway through the race. Approximately 800 Nautical Miles south of Australia, her yacht’s mast snapped in two, forcing her to abandon her Vendée Globe bid. 

Absolutely devastated, this was no time for Pip to give up. Rather than succumbing to despair, she demonstrated incredible resilience, picked herself back up, and did what was necessary to secure the boat, before making a “jury rig” to sail under her own power to Melbourne. Despite the obstacles, Pip kept her supporters engaged through regular vlogs on Facebook, detailing her progress on what she dubbed the “slow boat to Melbourne.” Staying true to her words “I am a fighter, and I am a finisher. Knock me down and I will stand up again every time”. 

Battling with the feelings of failure from such a crushing event, Pip channeled her energy into focusing on the positives, finding pride and pleasure in working on the boat as it travelled back ashore.

Pip is a shining example of resilience and an inspirational figure to many. Leading up to the latest edition of the Vendée Globe, Pip Hare Ocean Racing collaborated with The International SeaKeepers Society – a non-profit organisation that facilitates oceanographic research and education through direct collaboration with private vessels – to create two educational lesson plans that focus on the theme of resilience from different marine perspectives. These explore the deep ocean and the challenges faced by organisms living in this understudied, extreme environment, and the ways in which sailboats are built to successfully perform particular functions and withstand harsh conditions associated with open ocean voyages. Through this collaboration, SeaKeepers and Pip Hare Ocean Racing seek to inspire the next generation of future ocean stewards, encouraging them to explore their ambitions and aim high when setting their goals. 

After receiving a warm welcome from the supportive sailing community in Melbourne, Pip and her team have shifted their focus to the game plan post-race. “The race is over but the story is not”, she said, reaffirming her commitment to future endeavors. With the growth and success she and her team have experienced in their four years, Pip is determined to continue striving for excellence. 

As she looks ahead to the next Vendée Globe, Pip Hare remains a shining example of determination and grit. Her journey is far from over, and we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in her story. 

VISIT WEBSITE — SEAKEEPERS.ORG