PRESS RELEASE
24th April 2025
Renowned Offshore Sailor Pip Hare Joins Ocean Youth Trust South as Vice Patron to Inspire and Empower the Next Generation
Ocean Youth Trust South (OYT South), a charity dedicated to helping young people aged 11-25 develop essential life skills through adventure under sail, is pleased to announce that renowned offshore solo sailor and Vendee Globe Skipper, Pip Hare, has joined the organisation as a Vice Patron. This partnership further strengthens the charity’s mission to help the next generation to live healthy, fulfilling lives and positively contribute to their community and society.
Mark Todd, Chief Executive of Ocean Youth Trust South, said: “We couldn’t be more proud to have Pip Hare join us as a Vice Patron of the charity. She is an incredible inspiration to young people, both for her many achievements and successes, and also for her personality, resilience, and emotional honesty when faced with challenges. Pip is a true role model, and we look forward to cheering her on through all her future adventures.”
OYT South runs residential voyages aboard its 105-foot sailing vessel, Prolific. These voyages offer young people a unique opportunity to develop vital skills such as confidence, teamwork, communication, resilience, and mental and physical well-being. A majority of the places on these voyages are reserved for young people who are disadvantaged or vulnerable due to a wide range of circumstances. However, during school holidays, the voyages are open to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure, the chance to make new friends, complete a Duke of Edinburgh Award, or earn a sailing qualification.
In addition to supporting young people, OYT South also provides volunteer opportunities for adults who help the staff team with running voyages and guiding the young participants.
OYT South was born out of the Ocean Youth Club, which was founded in 1960. The charity continues to provide transformative experiences that equip young people with the tools to succeed in life. For more information, visit www.oytsouth.org.
Pip Hare commented “Becoming a Vice Patron of Ocean Youth Trust South is both an honour and a privilege. As a young person, I found my voice, my confidence, and my ambition through youth sail training schemes, and I can speak firsthand about the incredible life skills and experiences that sailing can offer. In addition to being a captivating sport, sailing provides invaluable opportunities for personal growth. Ocean Youth Trust South offers immersive experiences to young people who may otherwise struggle to access this incredible sport, teaching them to harness the power of teamwork and nature to move forward in life.”
With Pip Hare’s involvement, OYT South continues its mission of empowering youth and providing transformative experiences that help young people navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
For further details on OYT South’s programmes or to get involved, visit www.oytsouth.org.
Notes to editors
- For more information please contact Communications Manager at press@piphareoceanracing.com
- Images can be downloaded here
About Ocean Youth Trust South
Ocean Youth Trust South is a charity offering sail training voyages for around 450 young people (aged 11- 25) each year. These voyages build life skills like confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience, with a strong focus on mental wellbeing.
The charity supports both mainstream and disadvantaged young people, including those in care, young carers, and others facing challenges. While some pay for their place, OYT South also offers bursaries to ensure financial barriers don’t prevent participation.
Recognised as a leader in its field, the charity provides qualifications, tracks outcomes, and is known for making a lasting, positive impact on young lives.
About Pip Hare
British ocean racing skipper Pip Hare is the founder and skipper of Pip Hare Ocean Racing and has competed in two editions of the Vendée Globe. Over six years of competition in the IMOCA class, Pip has worked her way through the ranks, establishing a successful team in the UK and achieving top ten rankings in the IMOCA Globe Series.
During the 2024 Vendée Globe, as skipper of Medallia, Pip’s highly competitive performance was sadly cut short when she was dismasted south of Australia.
Never one to stay down, Pip made a temporary mast from the wreckage and shared her 800-mile journey to safety with fans all over the world. She brings her own ‘big foil’ experience to the team, as well as relentless energy and a need for speed.