EMBARGOED 00:01 13 May 2021 - British sailor Pip Hare renews partnership with Medallia - and lines up new boat
After completing her first Vendee Globe race just a few months ago, British ocean sailor, Pip Hare, has today (13 May 2021) announced the renewal of her partnership with international software company, Medallia. The renewed sponsorship confirms Hare’s intention to return for the next solo, non-stop round the world race - and she’s already got the boat for the job.
Pip says: “Medallia and I have had a fantastic partnership over the last year - they made a huge difference to my 2020/21 Vendee Globe race when they joined my campaign just five months before the start of the race. So having them with me now, at the very start of my 2024 campaign is brilliant - their support has given me the chance to secure the boat that will take me round the world in about 3 years’ time. I’m now determined to spend those years training, upgrading and finessing and I can’t wait to see what Medallia and I will achieve together in the lead up to the next Vendee.”
Leslie Stretch, Medallia’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Everyone at Medallia is immensely impressed with Pip’s strength, relentless spirit, and compelling story – but her journey is far from over. We are proud to continue to stand with her as she faces new challenges, and help her connect with her dedicated supporters in novel ways through our technology.
Pip and Medallia already have one successful Vendee Globe race under their belts. In the 2020/21 edition of the legendary race, Pip pushed hard in one of the oldest boats in the fleet to finish 19th overall. She fought through ocean storms, replaced a broken rudder in the Southern Ocean and dealt with an allergic reaction to a jellyfish sting. She became only the 8th woman to ever complete the race.
Pip says: “This Vendee Globe was everything I hoped it would be and more - it pushed me to my limits and beyond. But to me, this has always been a two-race campaign and my sights were always set on the 2024 race. This last edition was where I learned how to race solo round the world and honed my skills. Now I know what it takes, and I’ve got over 3 years to build my team, adapt the new boat to suit my sailing style and most importantly train my own skills. I was proud of my performance this time round - but in 2024 I want to see if I can race with the big boys and girls at the front of the pack.”
Pip’s campaign is already off to a good start, with a 2016 IMOCA 60 already secured.
Pip says: “I’m delighted to be taking on what was formally Bureau Vallee 2. It is a strong boat, with a great track record including the impressive third place achieved by Louis Burton in the last race. Stepping up to foils is going to be a big learning curve for me, but I am sure this is the right boat to take me there.”
Louis Burton, Skipper of Bureau Valley 2 in the Vendee Globe 20/21 said: "Bureau Vallée and I are proud and happy that Pip Hare and Medallia are purchasing Bureau Vallée 2. Pip has had an incredible Vendée Globe 2020. With this acquisition, she will be able to pursue her dream and prepare for 2024. I wish her all the best for the rest for a boat that brings luck!"
Pip’s team will be working with the Bureau Vallee team to ensure a smooth handover of the boat in France, where it will also get a new Medallia livery before being brought back to Pip’s base in Poole, Dorset later in the summer.
Pip continues; “Of course, this is just the start of my 2024 campaign. Having Medallia onboard so early is brilliant, and together we are seeking other likeminded partners to join us for 2024.
“I’ve always said solo sailing makes me be the best version of myself – with Medallia’s backing, I’ve got a real opportunity to see just how good I can be in this sport.”
Notes to Editors
Interviews: Pip is available for interviews – please contact Isla Reynolds on 07968946941 or press@piphareoceanracing.com to arrange to speak to Pip.
Photos: Photos of Pip Hare and Leslie Stretch are attached, with more high res photos available to download here: https://we.tl/t-MAWgtOOTYG
Video: Rushes of Pip during the Vendee Globe 20/21 are available for download here: https://we.tl/t-qxZVYKUE1K
For more information, photos and video, please contact Isla Reynolds on 07968946941 or press@piphareoceanracing.com
Follow Pip at www.piphare.com or on Twitter @pipoceanracing
We plan to hold a media event to welcome Pip’s new boat to the UK - and to say thanks to everyone for your support. We’ll be in touch with details nearer the time, but if you’d like to be added to the invite list, please email press@piphareoceanracing.com.
About Pip Hare
Pip Hare became only the 8th woman to complete the Vendee Globe when she finished in February 2021. She is now focusing on the 2024 race. Pip’s a seasoned ocean racer with multiple races and two world firsts under her belt. She can now count herself as a successful Vendee Globe skipper.
About Medallia
Medallia (NYSE: MDLA) is the pioneer and market leader in Experience Management. Medallia’s award-winning SaaS platform, the Medallia Experience Cloud, leads the market in the understanding and management of experience for customers, employees and citizens. Medallia captures experience signals created on daily journeys in person, digital and IoT interactions and applies proprietary AI technology to reveal personalised and predictive insights that can drive action with tremendous business results. Using Medallia Experience Cloud, customers can reduce churn, turn detractors into promoters and buyers, and create in-the-moment cross-sell and up-sell opportunities, providing clear and potent returns on investment.