United Kingdom – 24 January 2025 – Charlie Dalin has won the Vendée Globe 2024-25, smashing the previous course record by 9 days, 8 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.
Caption:Pip Hare, Vendee Globe 2024-25 and Floating Classroom with Pip Hare Ocean Racing, The Watersports Academy and Durlston School aboard DISCOVERY Yacht Castello
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY
The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-five years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Yacht Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the east and west coast, and international representation in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the South Pacific.
VISIT WEBSITE — SEAKEEPERS.ORG