World beating Poole sailor Pip Hare becomes Lighthouse Patron

Lighthouse Poole is honoured to announce record breaking, Poole-based solo yachtswoman Pip Hare has become its latest Patron.
 
Pip, who is the eighth woman to complete the Vendée Globe single handed non-stop 24,000-mile round-the-world yacht race – more men have walked on the moon, took time out from her preparations for this year’s race, which starts on 10 November, to show her support for Lighthouse.
 
“I am honoured to be asked to become a Patron of Lighthouse. As one of the largest cultural organisations outside of London, Lighthouse has been instrumental in putting Poole on the map and focussing the attention of the wider world on our wonderful town. Poole is home to my Vendée Globe campaign. I have a brilliant team here, I love being part of this community, and I am incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of local people and companies.”
 
Pip is at the centre of a small but growing team of expertise in ocean racing in Poole and has overseen the upgrade of her yacht Medallia with new foils that last summer saw her hit speeds in excess of 36 knots, with the knowledge there is more to come.
 
A regular at Lighthouse, where she has hosted two fascinating ‘Evening With’ events, she is currently training, race testing and, of course, fundraising for her latest bid to compete as hard as she can in the Vendée.
 
“Pip is a huge inspiration to me and to our local community and I am very proud that she has agreed to support Lighthouse as our Patron,” says Lighthouse Chief Executive Elspeth McBain.
 
“As a major Poole organisation, we are fully behind her campaign to compete in the Vendée Globe, but also behind her vision to create a world class ocean racing team here in our town. Pip embodies courage, determination, exceptional skill, bravery, self-belief, and is such a huge role model, especially for women and girls. She is a local treasure whom I believe should be cherished and supported. I can’t wait to see what she achieves next.”
 
To find out how to play a part in Pip’s Vendée Globe bid, visit https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/i-have-to-be-allowed-to-go-sailing