Pete Goss expresses his admiration for Pip Hare, the British "Boudica of the seas," and discusses how you can support her Vendée Globe mission.
Sailing with Pip Hare last week brought back memories of my father’s sailing wisdom: ‘It’s all about drag.’ I recall fine-sanding the bottoms of my dinghies and the thrill of discovering graphite paint.
As crew on my Mirror dinghy, my father exhibited remarkable patience while demonstrating its effects, from raising the centreboard when possible, tilting the boat to decrease wetted area, to lying flat in light winds to minimize wind resistance.
During my recent sail with Pip, her yacht Medallia suddenly transformed and soared into a new realm. She found that perfect balance where the foils elevate her bow, initiating a rapid upward spiral of less drag and increased apparent wind.
The surge of power is exhilarating, and I’m captivated by the foil tip as it cuts through the wave crests. We have five onboard, including my longtime friend and speed enthusiast Paul Larsen. A significant refit, incorporating the newest foil package to Medallia, has elevated Pip’s aspirations from a Corinthian entry in the last Vendée to the professional ranks.
There is a wealth of knowledge to gain, and participating in this exploratory sail was riveting. Pip may be petite, but her intense gaze reveals a fierce drive within. This, combined with her lifelong love for sailing, forms a powerful combination.
She will need that tenacity because as Medallia picks up speed, spray begins to pepper the deck. While images might depict the boat gracefully gliding on its foils, the reality showcases a rough ride. In its relentless pursuit of speed, the romantic bond between sailor and vessel fades. The skipper becomes a servant to the whims of the speed god.
Life unfolds in a manner akin to wartime, as we seek shelter under the cockpit canopy from the spray and jarring waves that crash onto the deck. The experience is so intense that wearing a helmet and body armor is becoming standard.
With a fierce appetite for distance, life revolves around hauling heavy sails or focusing intently on a screen to find the best route, as weather conditions—not landforms—dictate the journey.
It takes a unique individual to thrive in this environment, and last year presented Pip with a defining moment where she couldn’t shy away. Would she seize control of this new vessel during a solo transatlantic qualifier? While significant achievements weren’t anticipated at this stage, signs of promise were essential.
Pip met all the criteria for her ambitious Vendée aspirations. Sadly, a few crucial sponsors had to pull out due to economic downturns. Fully committed yet stuck between the immovable force of the start and the harsh reality of finances, challenges abound. She will begin the race but risks crossing the finish line with outdated sails.
The idea of this British Boudica of the seas hampered from the outset is unacceptable, and I hope you’ll join me in backing her by adding your name to the boat at: piphare.com
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