Barton Thought for the Day: Christian Brewer following Pip Hare's epic Vendée Globe on 'Medallia'

Pip Hare aboard Medallia © Pip Hare / Medallia

Here at Barton we have all been keenly following Pip Hare's race around the World in the Vendée Globe on 'Medallia'. We first met Pip when she put together her first Mini Transat campaign in 2012 with 'The Potting Shed'. Pip contacted us to ask if we could help equip her boat with deck hardware. It was clear that there was something special about Pip even then, so we were happy to kit her boat out with Barton gear.

Unlike most of her counterparts, Pip didn't rise through the ranks of the traditional performance racing pathway. Instead, Pip's journey has been very much one of helping others. From her teenage days volunteering with disabled sailors, to her coaching days at Sunsail. Her down to earth attitude is a breath of fresh air.

We have followed Pip's remarkable journey with interest, from the Minis to Open Class 40s, and now the IMOCA Medallia. Her drive and ambition is humbling, and we are honoured to think that the help that Barton gave back in 2012 has played a small part in helping Pip. Getting to the start line of the Vendée is a huge accomplishment in itself. The determination to overcome the odds, whilst maintaining her unique attitude is what we found sets Pip apart and this has clearly helped grow her fan base well beyond the team here at Barton.

As the top placed Brit, Pip has battled storms, lulls and recently some major boat issues. Her grit, determination and thorough preparedness has helped her through this. Sailing in the Vendée is unlike any sailing most of us will experience. Can you imagine switching out a damaged rudder blade, under sail and on your own in a place furthest from any civilisation on a 60ft yacht? Quite remarkable! Pip's race is made even tougher as she is racing an older style boat which doesn't benefit from some of the luxuries that the newer boats have such as a helming cuddy or in cockpit reefing.

With over 7000nm still to go, we at Barton are following her epic journey on her Facebook page and via the Vendée Globe Tracker and can't wait to congratulate her when she crosses the finish line.