Poole Vendée Globe sailor Pip Hare has won sponsorship for the 2024 challenge.

The local hero has renewed her partnership with Medallia and bought a foiling IMOCA yacht for the next Vendée Globe campaign.

Confirmation came on the same day that it was announced that Pip is to take part in An Evening with Pip Hare at Lighthouse Poole on Tuesday July 6.

She will share her first-hand account of sailing single-handed non-stop around the world for three months in the 24,000-mile yacht race known as the ‘Everest of the Seas’. 

BBC Radio Solent’s Breakfast In Dorset presenter Steve Harris will lead a question-and-answer session so the audience will have the chance to talk to Pip directly. 

The solo yachtswoman returned to her hometown port of Poole on February 18, 124 days after setting sail for the start of the Vendée Globe 2020.

After 95 days, 11 hours, 37 mins and 30 seconds of racing, Pip was the first British skipper to finish the single-handed non-stop round the world yacht race.

She’s only the eighth woman ever to complete the Vendée Globe which is held every four years.

Pip sailed a total of 24,365 miles and came in 19th place.

Elspeth McBain, Chief Executive, said: “Pip is an absolute inspiration to us all, so we were absolutely delighted that she accepted our invitation to share the inside story of her incredible achievement with an audience at Lighthouse

“And knowing she is now set fair to take part again only adds to this amazing story. 

“How brilliant that Medallia have provided the sponsorship to make this happen.

“What a great partnership.” 

Pip began her 2020 campaign with no title backer and a tiny budget.

But having secured American software company Medallia as a sponsor just months ahead of the start of the 2020 race, she delivered an incredible race in one of the oldest boats in the fleet. 

The announcement that she has sponsorship nearly four years ahead of the next Vendee Globe gives Pip a valuable jump-start on other skippers facing years of searching for funding. 

Commenting on the sponsorship, Pip said: “Medallia and I have had a fantastic partnership over the last year – they made a huge difference to my 2020/21 Vendée 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 three 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 Vendée.” 

Tickets for An Evening with Pip Hare are available at lighthousepoole.co.uk.