British sailor Pip Hare makes landfall after Vendée Globe dismasting in Southern Ocean
by Pip Hare Ocean Racing 28 Dec 2024 00:06 PST
Vendée Globe © ORCV
It's not the end to the race she wanted, but Pip Hare was relieved to step off her stricken yacht Medallia after breaking the mast 800 nautical miles from Australia.
Pip said: "I'm bitterly disappointed that my race ended this way, but I'm also grateful that I'm in one piece and was able to make my own way to safety. I might be out of the race, but the grit and determination I need to compete also helped me cope with what could have been a catastrophic situation.
"And, in a funny way, I enjoyed the slower pace of the voyage to Australia - ultimately, I'm a professional sailor because I love being out in the ocean and that's where I've been. Just not in quite the way I expected."
Medallia's mast broke in two places when the boat came off a wave in the Southern Ocean, just under halfway around the non-stop single-handed Vendée Globe race.
Pip continues, "It didn't feel like it at the time, but I was lucky. When something like that happens, it can damage the boat or I could have been hurt. But it happened in the daylight, and I was able to clear up the mess, rig a makeshift sail and limp to the nearest port."
Pip finished, "I want to say a huge thank you to my sponsors and my supporters who have stayed with me and cheered me on. I've received a warm welcome and kindness from everyone here at the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria. And most of all I want to say a massive thank you to my team - this was their dream too and for all our hard work to end like this is absolutely gutting. But they've helped me stay positive and now we'll be working together on what the next steps are."