Meet the team
One woman sails around the world, but there is a strong team behind her all the way… meet the people supporting Pip on her journey to the next Vendée Globe.
Image 📸 PHC
From Left to Right: Mel Cooke, Hayley Clark , Joff Brown, Lou Adams, Pip Hare, Olly Young, Isla Reynolds & Olly Bond
Lou Adams, Operations Director
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
I take overall responsibility for the delivery of our business objectives. This includes stakeholder management, budgeting, planning, project management and ensuring we deliver against our many project milestones.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
Like Pip's own journey to the Vendée Globe, I haven't come through a conventional pathway to running the shoreside operations of a global sailing race team. As I look back to one year ago, I was the matron (lead) for a large south coast major trauma Emergency Department in a global pandemic and had been volunteering for Pip for almost 18 months. As the pandemic took more of a hold on the world and the UK, Pip gained her title sponsor; Medallia. Fast forward to November 2020 and after years of hard work, tenacity and determination, Pip was on the start line of the Vendée Globe. I agreed to take a lead on the campaign shore side with 3 others whilst continuing to work in the hospital through what turned out to be one of the hardest winters of my career to date. These 3 months of Pip at sea now seem a distant memory, in many ways it was my tool to survive the pandemic in a hospital. I felt hugely privileged to be part of her team and to be able to help deliver her story that she so eloquently told, I could see first hand how many people she helped through the winter months in a locked-down England. I received emails from many who themselves were struggling but were encouraged by Pip and her own unique story of isolation at sea. My experience to date has not been previous sailing campaigns, or sports teams, but it has been working in hospitals and over the past 5 years, leading large teams through the turmoil of emergency care.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
Sharing the values of the campaign through a truly diverse global audience.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
To grow the Pip Hare Ocean Racing family of partners and sponsors to deliver a world class performance culminating in the 2024 Vendée Globe race.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
We have a huge drive on sustainability and I want to see change both within the sailing industry and also I want to use our voice to impact the global community.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
If I was solo sailing around the world, something seriously wrong would have happened, I am not sure I would survive 10 miles offshore let alone 25,000 miles circumnavigating the globe. So the item I couldn't be without is a competent skipper!!
What's your passion outside of work?
Family, friends, my kids and being outdoors.
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Not for me!!!
Joff Brown, Technical Director
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
My role is making sure the boat is prepared for sailing, that we are maximising the performance and reliability of the boat. I also oversee the strategy for the boat over the duration of the campaign, so planning upgrades, scheduling and budgeting.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
I got a job in Mike Golding’s team in 2000, I then worked on some inshore projects, was a race boat build project manager and also worked with Conrad Humphries in 2004 before going on to manage the build for Hugo Boss on their IMOCAs in 2006. Then I went to New Zealand and managed the build of Dee Caffari’s boat for the 2008 Vendee Globe and 2010 Barcelona around the world race. I did a few other refits and projects (managing boats for five successful round the world races and project managing the build of three new IMOCAs) before joining Pip’s team in 2019.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
I was really proud of Pip’s achievement in the last race especially considering we were always on the back foot with funding coming in quite late. This time we have great support from Medallia, 3 years to prepare and I’m excited to see what Pip can do with it on the race course.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
As always for Pip to finish the Race, but to really make sure Pip has the platform to do her best. That we prepare and upgrade the boat to maximise the performance and that we limit down time during the race, so Pip can focus on sailing.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
I’d like to see more UK based teams, get back to where we were in 2008 with 8 British VG campaigns. The sport has very positive messages and each campaign has a significant impact on the local economy and provides good jobs.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
A Pip robot.
What's your passion outside of work?
Relaxing! I spend quite a lot of time away from home and even when we are in the UK we do quite long days. So outside of work, anything relaxing with the family, avoiding boats, and anything that needs fixing!
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Very, Very Stressful.
Isla Reynolds, Communications Lead
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
I help Pip with her press and media - setting up interviews and articles and generally helping her to tell her story and reach as many people as possible. I also help journalists who want to write or film a piece about Pip - organising time to speak to Pip, sending photos and videos and finding interesting stories for them to talk about.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
I trained as a journalist, working as a producer for local TV news and production companies before becoming a Press Officer for the RNLI, where I eventually led a large communications team. I'm now still working in Communications in the Civil Service (and helping Pip in my spare time). In terms of sailing, I grew up dinghy sailing, before living and travelling on a small yacht in my 20's and now I get my water fix as a keen windsurfer (much more portable and less maintenance!).
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
Pip is an old friend and I love helping her realise her dream - I'm constantly in awe of her determination and resilience, and that inspires me. I also love working with the rest of the team too - there's a really strong camaraderie. And I also love working with journalists and helping them - I've got to meet some fascinating people who have kindly supported Pip throughout her journey and I feel they've become a part of the extended Pip Hare Ocean Racing family too.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
I hope all Pip's friends and family - and hundreds of her supporters - will be at the start of the Vendee Globe to wave her off. And celebrate when she crosses the line. The pandemic robbed her of that this time round, and it would mean so much to see everyone cheering her on.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
I'd like to see it tell it's stories better - there are amazing people doing really interesting things and I don't think we do enough to capture the imagination of normal, everyday readers who are looking for role models, inspiration or just a bit of entertainment.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
A good sized mug for a decent cup of tea.
What's your passion outside of work?
I love getting outdoors and being active - I don't really mind how; running, biking, walking, windsurfing, sailing.... as long as I'm not sitting at my desk inside, then I'm happy!
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Gruelling, liberating, fascinating.
Image 📸 PHC
Olly Young, Preparateur
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
Helping Pip get up to speed with sailing the boat and rigging.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
Most recently with Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team as Bowman winning the Ocean Race Europe. Multiple years/campaigns working on IMOCA 60’s and Vendee Globe campaigns, most recently with Corum and Shore Crew with Dongfeng Race Team in 2017/2018 Volvo Ocean Race.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
The IMOCA class is the leading class in terms of design and innovation in the offshore world at the moment and Pip has acquired a very fast boat with a proven track record. The boat has a huge scope for development to make it as competitive as the very newest boats. Being a part of that process is what excites me the most.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
To develop a fast and competitive boat which will get Pip to the finish line of the 2024 Vendee Globe safely and in the best position possible.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
I think teams can be a lot better with the amount of kit they use for what are relatively short term projects. I have boxes and boxes of branded sailing kit which could probably be recycled by the manufacturers to be used for new teams.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
A good collection of podcasts and audio books to listen to.
What's your passion outside of work?
I’ve been on two sailing/mountaineering expeditions to the Arctic now and the third one is scheduled for next year, which I can’t wait for.
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Tough, Lonely, Freedom
Hayley Clark, Social Media Lead
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
I manage Pip’s social channels, helping to tell her story across social media and digital channels and interacting with the community to bring them along on the journey.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
I trained as a journalist and went on to work in editorial, consumer PR and most recently creative agencies where I’ve led the copywriting and social media strategy for multiple clients. I worked with Pip and the team during the last Vendée Globe, working with our partners to amplify our story across social and managing the daily content, making sure our community were kept up to date with all the action.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
It was incredible to be involved in the last campaign where Pip became only the 8th woman ever in history to complete the Vendée Globem and to be part of a sport that pushes limits and tests people in every way imaginable. I am really passionate about the Blue Mind concept (the theory that being near water improves our overall wellbeing) and the work that goes into preparing for an endurance sport, so it’s a privilege to be part of a team that’s telling such a holistic story of ocean racing. I also love working with the wider team - they’re amazing to be around, and I love interacting with the community we have built across social media - it’s so inclusive and supportive.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
To increase our reach across social media and make more people aware of how incredible this sport and Pip’s journey is. I would also love to be at the start line and see lots of other people there too, which wasn’t possible in 2020 due to travel restrictions.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
I’d like to see more stories being told not just about the technical aspect of the sport, but everything else that goes into it. I think there’s a perception that to follow sailing you need to know all of the terminology and have been sailing for years, but it’s so much more accessible than that; from physical and mental wellbeing to the environment, there are so many themes that align with everyday life on land and lots of reasons to follow and get involved. I’m also keen to see the new steps in sustainability put into action and how teams continue to reduce their environmental impact.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
A kettle so I could make endless cups of tea.
What's your passion outside of work?
I love getting outdoors in nature - hiking and paddleboarding are two of my favourite hobbies and I’m currently learning to surf…
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
The ultimate test.
Image 📸 PHC
Mel Cooke, Campaign Support
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
I support the team with all its shore based activities - which can be anything from event planning to working on our funding strategy and developing future partnerships.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
I've always had a love of the sea and being outdoors. Having worked for the RNLI for several years for the operations and then the fundraising, marketing and media department, I have a huge appreciation for the sea and all who venture out.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
Working for a small, highly motivated, committed team with a core focus of making Pip's 2024 Vendée Globe campaign as successful as possible.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
Pip and the team have already achieved so much, and I hope to help to share her philosophy that with hard work, and the drive, you can achieve anything, and bring as many people on this exciting journey with us as possible!
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
I would love sailing and the many benefits it offers to be more accessible to all.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
A fully stocked kitchen (does that count?)
What's your passion outside of work?
I recently discovered a passion for triathlons - I had no idea I could be so competitive!
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Unpredictable, extreme and intense.
Ollie Bond, Preparateur
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
General boat preparation.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
I have worked on a wide variety of yachts, including spending a season cruising in Alaska and offshore racing both single and double handed on Mini’s, Figaro’s and Class 40’s. With a number of podium finishes, ranking 2nd of 239 in the 2008 Class Mini World rankings. I have worked for a few IMOCA teams including helping to prepare the previous Medallia for the last Vendée Globe.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
It’s exciting to have a newer more competitive boat, and to see how we can develop it over the next 3 years.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
To see Pip sail another great race in the 2024 Vendée Globe.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
I would like to see the marine industry become more environmentally friendly.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
A very loud alarm clock!
What's your passion outside of work?
Sailing..
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Freedom, Adventure, Challenge.
Alex Skinner, Junior Preparateur
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
I look after the below deck systems on the boat, like the engine/watermaker/electronics and general boat preparations ready for Pip to race.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
Before university I did a summer season teaching windsurfing at Minorca Sailing. Then alongside my engineering degree I spent three years on a student team designing and building a carbon fibre solar-powered racing car, which we then raced 3,000km across Australia in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The last Vendée Globe inspired me to do my final year research project on the flow over racing yacht hydrofoils. After graduating I worked with Spirit Yachts fitting out the engineering systems on their new build wooden yachts before joining the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team. In terms of sailing, I lived on a small yacht until I was three and grew up doing lots of dinghy sailing and some yacht cruising, and pretty much every family holiday I ever went on involved boats! Last year I briefly branched out into double handed keelboat racing, doing the RORC Morgan Cup in a J88.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
Everything.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
To make sure Pip has a fast and reliable boat to help her get another great finish in the Vendée Globe.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
To stop using flat head screws for everything!
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
An autopilot.
What's your passion outside of work?
Pretty much any outdoor sport, especially watersports.
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Inspiring, also insane.
Will Holland, Junior Preparateur
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
I’m responsible for checking and maintaining the on deck systems. This mainly consists of the standing and running rigging as well as getting involved in developing new systems.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
I’ve worked on race and cruising yachts for the past four and half years. I have spent most of my time commissioning and rigging the new Sun Fast 3300s, alongside developing new systems to enhance their performance as a leading double handed race yacht. I grew up on and around the River Hamble where I learnt to sail on dinghies through the local sea scout group, before moving across to yacht racing in the Solent.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
Learning and understanding what's involved in an IMOCA 60 campaign.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
Being part of a team producing a race yacht to be reckoned with!
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
I would like to see it become more affordable and less exclusive for young people to learn and compete in the yacht racing world; especially in the short-handed sailing circuit.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
A dry sleeping bag.
What's your passion outside of work?
Yacht racing and climbing.
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Next to do!
Lorna Phipps, Accounts Manager
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
Bookkeeping / accountancy and anything to do with numbers as well as any odd jobs that need doing.
Tell us about your career to date and experience within sailing?
My first memory is being read the same story many times as we were aground in Poole Harbour - this didn't put me off as I then cruised and raced any dinghy or yacht I could get on both in the UK and abroad. One of the highlights was 4 months sailing from Panama to Tahiti via the Galapagos, The Marquesas and Tuamotus. I then was lucky enough to be navigator on a series of Swan yachts and more recently I have raced locally on a Dehler 33. We bought a Dragonfly 800 earlier this year which is perfect for Poole Harbour. I spend more time ashore now while my 2 children race their toppers and ILCAs. I didn't mean to be an accountant - I had a year in Africa and loved it there but to keep people (i.e. family!) happy I accepted a job at KPMG (as their offices had sea views) and ended up qualifying as a chartered accountant (rather than studying chimpanzees). I then moved to Barclays where I travelled abroad a lot and spent a period contracting for them so I could sail and travel more. I also work for the Andrew Simpson Foundation which is great as its values are very similar to Pip's.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
Getting to know and understand the boat and being part of a team which enables Pip to sail the very best she can.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
That everyone gets round safely and Pip achieves her goals.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
Less exclusivity and more diversity. Or is that 2? I think it's 1.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
Tea.
What's your passion outside of work?
Sailing, travel, snorkelling especially in warm waters. All with friends.
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Freedom, sunrises and scary.
Image 📸 Lloyd Images
Em Hackforth, Intern
What’s your role at Pip Hare Ocean Racing?
I am the team intern, my role is to help within all aspects of the campaign whether it’s helping out with social media content or providing help to the technical team, the role is very varied, and no day is ever the same.
Tell us about your career background to date and experience within sailing?
I previously volunteered with Pip back in 2019 when she was just starting her Vendee journey helping with the Business Syndicate whilst I was studying for my A levels.
What excites you about being part of the Pip Hare Ocean Racing team?
The fact that no day is the same, that I get to help out with all parts of the campaign and the team is quite small, so everyone works incredibly well together in order to deliver a unique campaign.
What are your hopes and dreams for the 2024 VG campaign?
That Pip has a successful campaign and by 2024 has an even bigger and stronger team backing her.
What's one thing you'd like to see change in the sailing industry in the future?
More females working within technical roles in the industry.
If you were sailing solo around the world, what item couldn't you be without?
Definitely a proper pillow, the key to a good night’s sleep.
What's your passion outside of work?
Sailing/racing in Poole & the Solent as well as dog walking.
Describe solo sailing in 3 words
Crazy, exhilarating, unique
All images 📸 PHC