The University of Strathclyde will be making waves in the world of competitive sailing thanks to the generous support of one of its major benefactors.
Businessman and Strathclyde alumnus Leslie Stretch is sponsoring sailor Pip Hare’s participation in the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe 24 which will see Strathclyde’s logo adorning the mainsail of her yacht, Medallia, as she competes in the gruelling solo round-the-world race starting on 10 November.
Her vessel, named after software company Medallia – of which Economics and Economic History graduate Leslie is the former President and former Chief Executive Officer – will travel in excess of 24,000 miles as it circumnavigates the globe.
Separately, Leslie is also supporting a student sailing team’s participation in the Sailing Champions League Youth Final in Vilamoura, Portugal from 3-5 May.
The five-strong group of students are members of the University of Strathclyde Sailing Club and qualified for the British Keelboat Finals category of the competition after finishing second overall in the Scottish Qualifier held at the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Southampton, in February 2023.
The student sailors: Luis Aroca (helm), Marc Heger (main), Tom Bowes (jib and kite trim), Calum Warnock (bow) and Emily Miller (Mast) all study Naval Architecture with High Performance Marine Vehicles.
Highly demanding
Luis said: “In the Scottish Qualifier we raced the best sailors from across Great Britain. The competition was run over three days and was highly demanding, with a total of 42 races in wind speeds ranging from three to 21 knots. Having the added difficulty of not having raced before in those waters, and despite limited training hours in the boat, we managed to perform at our best, finishing first more times than any other team, and winning almost half of our races.
“We are delighted with the opportunity to compete at such an elite level in the Sailing Champions League Youth Final.
We will be the only team representing Great Britain and the University of Strathclyde, racing against the best sailors in the whole of Europe and Australia, who qualified in their respective national events.
“However, there is a significant financial burden in making this dream a reality. The cost of travel, accommodation, and entry fees is substantial, and, as a youth team, we do not have the resources to cover these expenses on our own. The support of Leslie, therefore, is hugely appreciated and we cannot thank him enough for his support.”
Highest level
In preparation for her Vendée Globe 24 race, Pip Hare will take part in the New York Vendée from New York to Les Sables d’Olonne, France on 29 May – one of the qualifying races.
Pip’s boat, Medallia, holds the current Vendée Globe 24 course record, under its former name of Banque Populaire VIII, when Frenchman Armel Le Cléac’h won the race in 74 days, 3 hours and 36 minutes in the 2016-2017 edition.
Taking part in the competition for the second time, Pip is aiming for a top 10 finish in this year’s race. Since its creation in 1989, only 114 sailors have competed in the race which is dubbed the ‘Everest of the Seas’.
The race sees sailors single-handedly tackling severe winds and waves which takes them into seas far beyond the reach of normal emergency responders, making it a particularly challenging and dangerous endeavour.
Absolutely vital
Pip, who is based out of Poole in Dorset, said: “Competing at the highest level in offshore sailing is requires the best talent and technology in the sport. Leslie’s support has been absolutely vital and without his financial backing we couldn’t have become Britain’s premier sailing team.”
Leslie said: “The Vendée Globe 24 is the sport’s toughest, most prestigious race. I am delighted to support Pip Hare’s participation in this most challenging single handed, non-stop circumnavigation. She is one of Britain’s leading offshore sailors.
“I am also very pleased to be able to support the next generation of sailing talent by donating to the student team participating in the Sailing Champions League Youth Final. They’ve done fantastically well to reach this stage.
“As a proud Strathclyde alumnus, who spent some of the happiest years of my life in Glasgow, I am excited to help support the University in the year of its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of its Royal Charter, through these exciting sailing competitions. I wish the very best of luck to both teams.”