In My Element

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents… In My Element: Life lessons from the world's toughest solo ocean race, written and read by Pip Hare

*Includes bonus audio material from Pip's archives*

'An entertaining and compelling page turner that will stay with you.' Pete Goss

The boat picks up another wave and surfs again, faster this time, deafening. My eyes are streaming, sore from the icy wind that throws spray in my face. And over the top of it all I can hear my own laughter. I feel powerful, strong. I am a thousand miles from land in one of the world's most dangerous environments. Alone and free.

The Vendée Globe Race is one of the world’s toughest sporting events: a single-handed, non-stop lap of the planet, with no assistance. The route takes competitors around the fringes of Antarctica, tackling terrifying conditions in the Southern Ocean before rounding Cape Horn. In My Element is the gripping and uncompromising story of Pip’s incredible journey, but it’s about so much more than sailing.

A thousand miles from land and surviving on only 30 minutes of sleep at a time, with both skipper and vessel relentlessly pushed to the brink of failure, Pip tells it straight, acknowledging that success never comes without mistakes and mishaps and these challenges do not mean defeat; they are opportunities to learn and grow. This, her first book, is both a gripping record of one of her toughest races ever and an inspiring account of the mental and physical strategies that have allowed her to discover, as a middle-aged woman, a life that allows her to live ‘in flow’ and achieve success.

From embracing fear to managing anxiety, enduring the daily grind whilst appreciating the pure magic, pacing yourself and rising to the occasion, Pip's journey teaches the importance of seizing every moment and truly living in your element.

Critics Review

Pip's refreshing honesty takes us under the bonnet, both practically and emotionally, of what is required to compete in the Vendée Globe. More astronauts, by far, have circled the globe than single handed sailors. This book gifts insightful and relevant lessons to help rise above day to day challenges and push beyond perceived limits. An entertaining and compelling page turner that will stay with you.
Pete Goss
Pip is one of the most remarkable sports people, and adventurers, I have had the privilege to interview. She's far too modest to use the term 'role model' but her story is inspirational; a lesson in overcoming daunting challenges whether that is raising all the funds just to reach the start line of the Vendee Globe or battling through the world's most perilous seas to compete among the very best offshore sailors in the world. The Vendee tests those bold competitors like no sporting event on earth and Pip has her own compelling story to tell about what it takes to survive, and thrive, when faced with dangers and hurdles that most of us struggle to imagine.
Sports Editor, The Times
Pip Hare is an absolute inspiration - though she's far too modest to accept that mantle. When she competed in the 2020 Vendée Globe, a French ocean race became the human story of how one Englishwoman overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to not only make it to the start, but to compete at a higher level than anyone expected. Her journey captured the imagination of thousands of people who tracked her every step of the way. This book tells the full story of her solo around the world race, and the mindset and life lessons that she drew on to achieve the apparently impossible. A fantastic read for anyone who seeks to understand why humans push themselves to the limits, and the drive and relentless commitment it takes to achieve a lifetime dream. For sailing lovers it is also an absolute treat, with some of the best and most visceral descriptions of racing in the Southern Oceans I've ever read.
Helen Fretter, Editor, Yachting World
A refreshingly honest account, Pip tells it as it is, on completing sailing’s most iconic endurance race. Her race was jaw dropping at the time and her telling of it, from the fight for sponsorship, the physical obstacles and boat issues en-route, and the very relatable emotional hurdles she overcame, makes it even more impressive. A truly inspiring woman, with lessons that transfer to all walks of life. Don’t let her humble style fool you, hers is one of the world’s toughest and greatest achievements. Done with style by the best role model you could wish for. Bravo, Pip
Susie Smillie
I enjoyed In My Element very much - gripping, frequently nerve-racking, reminds me on page after page why I wouldn’t want on my own on a yacht, especially just off Antarctica.
David Mills, Former Culture Editor, The Sunday Times
This story of courage and grit is inspiring, whether you are a sailor or not, and it will leave you grinning and punching the air when Hare crosses the finish line.
Practical Boat Owner
Full of inspiration and life lessons
Yachtsandyachting.com

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