The Royal Western Yacht Club is delighted to welcome solo ocean racing legend Pip Hare as the Patron of WORLDSTAR 2026.
Pip’s journey as a solo oceanic sailor began with the RWYC. Back in 2009, she tackled one of her first major solo races, the OSTAR, hosted by the RWYC – a bold crossing that set her on the path to becoming one of the most respected figures in offshore sailing today. Since then, Pip has gone on to compete in the Vendée Globe, one of the toughest solo sailing races in the world, sailing non-stop around the world aboard her IMOCA 60 Medallia. Her grit, humility and relentless spirit have inspired sailors everywhere.
Now, she’s back where it all began – joining WORLDSTAR not just as patron, but as a guiding voice and advocate for what this race represents: endurance, passion, and the pure adventure of sailing your own boat around the globe.
“The sport of shorthanded ocean racing is at an all-time high, with participation, sponsorship, and media coverage honing in on the excitement and engagement the sport brings. At a time when professional events are oversubscribed and come with costs that are inaccessible to the average sailor, the WORLDSTAR offers an important and welcome opportunity for amateur sailors to step onto the planet’s largest racetrack and race solo, or double-handed, around the world,” said Pip.
“I began my solo racing career with the Royal Western Yacht Club when I competed in the OSTAR solo transatlantic race in 2009. Back then, I was struggling to break into the larger, professional races, but competing in the OSTAR gave me the opportunity to race on terms I could afford, and the racing was excellent. The Royal Western Yacht Club is not just offering a race but also building a supportive community that helps sailors prepare and gives them the best chance to achieve their goals. I have no doubt that if the WORLDSTAR had been running in the early years of my career, I would have been on the start line.”
WORLDSTAR 2026 is about more than competition. It’s about celebrating seamanship, making global sailing more accessible, and pushing boundaries with sustainability at the core. Pip’s presence will ensure that the event stays grounded in those values.
RWYC Commodore Adrian Gray shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “The Royal Western Yacht Club is very pleased to announce our collaboration with Pip Hare and her acceptance for being Patron to the WORLDSTAR race. Pip has always been a supporter of the club’s oceanic activities, indeed was an entrant in the Ostar back in 2009 amongst other races that we offer, which included the Mini Fastnet and Round Britain & Ireland race. Recently Pip took part in the RWYCs’ Lonely Rock Race on ‘Superbigou’, the Open 60, which she was later to sail around the world in the Vendee Globe.
“The race will benefit hugely from Pip’s Experience and enthusiasm for the WorldStar and all the race stands for, bringing the ultimate Oceanic Challenge to the Club yachtsman or woman who wants to do the race in their own boat, solo or double-handed, all starting together, with all the modern safety and navigation equipment that is available to them. It is also ideal for the budding Vendee Globe entrant in their Open 40 or Open 60 who wishes to get noticed in their preparation for a future Vendee Globe race.”
“Pip represents everything WORLDSTAR stands for: resilience, innovation, and the courage to chart your own course. Her story is part of our club’s story, and her role as Patron cements an enduring relationship. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her back in this way.”
As Patron, Pip will take an active role in shaping the race and helping us tell the WORLDSTAR story around the globe. Her involvement signals a new era for offshore racing – one where passion and purpose go hand in hand.
