British sailor Pip Hare breaks two records in one go
Vendee Globe veteran Pip Hare has broken two sailing records at once, after sailing around the Isle of Wight single-handed.
The Poole-based sailor completed the voyage in the new outright fastest time for a solo sailor, and now also holds the overall 60ft boat record: crewed or solo.
The record was ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council on 5 November 2022.
Hare started the attempt at 5am on 21 October 2022, and completed the circumnavigation in 4 hours, 48 minutes and 38 seconds, covering 60 nautical miles.
“There was a big southerly coming down the Channel, and I managed to time it just right,” says Hare. “I was behind at half way round, and I thought about giving up and going home to Poole, but I’m not very good at quitting, so thought I’d carry on and see what happened.
“It was wet and wild until the last mile, when there was no wind at all. But I made it in under five hours and was absolutely chuffed.
“I’m proud that it’s an outright world record – fastest time solo around the Isle of Wight. Ever.”
The news came through just hours after the Route du Rhum – due to start the next day – was postponed until later this week due to a storm. It is now expected to commence before Wednesday (9 November 2022).
“So I went from being a bit gutted to being elated that I can now say I’m a record-breaker, says Hare. “It’s a huge boost to my confidence ahead of the biggest race of this year.”
