Solo sailor Pip is a true inspiration

HOW many of us can honestly say we haven’t had to dig deep for our reserves of courage and resilience during these dark winter days?

So, what better inspiration than to look towards the 30 or so competitors taking part in the Vendee Globe Circumnavigation solo non-stop unaided yacht race. Watching them leave on 8th November last year from Les Sables D’Olonne on the western coast of France, we have daily checked the tracking map to follow their progress. South into the Atlantic, Cape of Good Hope, the icy southern oceans, Indian Ocean, Pacific, the fabled Cape Horn, before heading north again and back to the start. Our main focus has been on Westcountry girl Pip Hare, from Dorset, aboard yacht ‘Medallia’. Facing extreme equatorial heat, bitter cold, jelly fish stings, replacing a cracked rudder and little sleep for weeks, she’s well on her way home.

Surely a reason to celebrate, so what about a race of our own, offering adventure and hope for the young. Pip Pip Hooray !

Cheryl Kehyaian, via email