What if your dream is to sail non-stop, alone, for nearly three months, in some of the most isolated, unforgiving waters of the world? To have unrelenting salty sea air barrage your face and serve as the power to guide your sails into the unknown? It is physical distancing taken to extremes.
Charting a course for change
What if your dream is to sail non-stop, alone, for nearly three months, in some of the most isolated, unforgiving waters of the world? To have unrelenting salty sea air barrage your face and serve as the power to guide your sails into the unknown? It is physical distancing taken to extremes.
Big dreams, powered by grit and determination
For years, Pip Hare dreamed of competing in the Vendée Globe race, a solo, non-stop round-the-world yacht race. Setting sail Nov. 8, 2020, she achieved her dream when she crossed the finish line Friday, Feb. 12, at 0:57 a.m. UTC.
Since 1989, there have only been eleven women who have attempted the race, one of the world’s most extreme tests of endurance, problem-solving ability, and emotional resilience. The 2020 race included a record number of six female skippers entering the race, one of which was Pip. Crossing the finish line, Pip became the eighth woman to finish the Vendée Globe in the history of the race.
As a female in the male-dominated sailing yacht industry, Pip faces constant scrutiny. She may be underestimated, but she will not be deterred.
Now, as much as ever in the race I need to keep driving no matter how uncomfortable it feels. This is an endurance race and it is time to endure. In these super tough moments I like to focus on the 'why' and not the 'what' for my motivation.
Pip is empowered and determined — to challenge the status quo, refusing to allow others’ assumptions to hold her back. Pip has stored up every “no,” she’s remembered every “can’t be done” and “that’s impossible” she’s heard throughout her career, saving them for this moment. Conquering the Vendée Globe, Pip let her determination drive her, breaking down barriers to create meaningful change in the sailing industry and open doors for others.
It is this spirit, this enduring desire to set a goal, focus, and work dynamically as conditions change to cross the finish line, that drives us at Smartsheet. We feel the same determination from you — our customers, the can-doers, who believe anything is possible.
That’s why we sponsored Pip and supported her Vendée Globe dreams. One Vendée Globe race is not enough, Pip wants more and is competing to qualify for the Vendée Globe race 2024.
Around the world in 95 days
Every four years, the race starts and ends in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, as the route circumnavigates the world for 24,000 miles and racers compete solo, sailing nonstop.
Throughout her '20-'21 race, Pip faced damaged sails, a busted weather instrument, jellyfish stings, a broken rudder she replaced in the Southern Ocean, lack of wind, high seas, health problems, a crash gybe, and more seemingly insurmountable challenges. And she persevered through every single one. Pip was the first British skipper to finish the ‘20-‘21 Vendée Globe with a final time of 95 days, 11 hours, 37 mins, and 30 seconds.
“Look beyond the finish. It's a technique I use for running up hills — to run over the hill and not up it. Focus on a point beyond the hill summit as the finish and it helps with managing energy and expectations.”
“One day at a time, sometimes you just have to put one foot in front of the other.”
“The dawn is just breaking now on another grey, cloudy aggressive day and I need to get out there and fight some more. These conditions are not fun, but they are part of the race and I have not just sailed 97% of the way around the world to be broken now.”
The race
157157
Total entries across history of race
9090
Total number of race finishers
77
Total number of female entries
The skipper
22
World first endurance records held by Pip
2020
Years of experience in ocean racing
1010
Years in her solo sailing career
“I want to compete in the Vendée Globe because it is one of the toughest sporting events on the planet, and men and women of all ages and backgrounds compete on equal terms. I believe so much in actions over words. If you want to know what I’m capable of, then look. And watch. I know that I’m capable of a hell of a lot more than anybody ever thinks when they look at me.”
— Pip Hare
The really important thing to remember is there’s a big difference between ‘alone’ and being lonely. I don’t feel lonely, because I’ve got so many people behind me, supporting me, who care about me, who are watching me.
The really important thing to remember is there’s a big difference between ‘alone’ and being lonely. I don’t feel lonely, because I’ve got so many people behind me, supporting me, who care about me, who are watching me.
