SKIPPERS’ REACTIONS

Pip Hare: “I’m shocked and ashamed at the treatment of Clarisse Cremer. In the last edition of the Vendée Globe we had the highest number of female competitors and now, just two years on, we have a situation where the qualifying criteria mean that a woman on maternity leave is seen as too much of a risk as a skipper who can qualify for the race. I’m pleased that my fellow skippers and the IMOCA class are taking this situation very seriously.

“I love this sport because men and women compete on equal terms, but that seems not to be the case. I thought we’d made such progress as female sailors – as female athletes – to gain acceptance, compete on equal terms and take our place at the top of leadership boards. I was wrong – we have so much more to do. And Clarisse’s case will just spur us on.”

Sam Davies: “I’m a mum and offshore sailor. There ARE sponsors who back female sailors/mums. I will do everything I can to push changes to support female sailors and convince sponsors there is NO reason to think twice about backing women sailors.”

She added: “I am so sad that we haven’t reacted soon enough to prevent this terrible decision. It shouldn’t have to be that someone has their career/dream destroyed to make people wake up.”

Charlie Dalin: “Since this announcement, I have been torn between amazement, disappointment and incomprehension. Clarisse, whatever the outcome of this dark affair, I just hope to find you on a starting line soon! Even if I regret that it is not (anymore) on board my beautiful Apivia. You have my full support…”