POOLE sailor Pip Hare is in training to take on one of the most extreme sporting events on the planet.

The seasoned yachtswoman, who has already completed seven solo transatlantic races, is preparing to single-handedly race her 60ft yacht around the world, non-stop.

She is one of just 30 international skippers who will line up for the Vendee Globe around the world race in November 2020.

Currently, Pip's yacht, Superbigou, is moored at Poole Boat Haven, where she is basing herself while training for the main event.

Pip, who is being supported by Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHP), is hoping to become the first British sailor to win the title.

In 2001 Dame Ellen MacArthur came second, after 94 days at sea.

However, the course record of 78 days was set in 1989.

Pip said: "The race is as extreme as it gets. It is run every four years and is probably one of, if not the most, elite sporting events on the planet.

"Less than 100 people have finished the race – and to put that into context, 5,000 people have made the summit of Mount Everest.

"It is pretty out there."

Pip will only sleep two hours out of every 24 when she competes, and this will only be in 10 or 20 minute 'power naps'.

She'll also face Southern Ocean seas where waves can average up to 40ft high, which is twice as high as a normal house.

"Part of the reason I'm starting my campaign now, my training now, is to eliminate all of the problems I could have – to make sure the boat is really strong and I am up to it," Pip told the Echo. "Then we are minimising any risk for the actual race itself.

"Poole Harbour is an amazing place to be situated, we leave here and we are straight out into the English Channel.

"This boat is so fast, it will go up to 30mph, so you need plenty of room. Because I am in training I need room to make mistakes, I need room to figure things out."

The race will take on the the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn.

Meanwhile, PHP marinas manager Kerrie Gray said: "We are incredibly proud to be supporting Pip.

"We have given her a berth for her boat in the lead-up and preparations for this prestigious race and we are delighted she has chosen to stay with us.

"We are keen to help her with her fundraising and introduce her to key partners in the area in order to seek out the necessary support and financial assistance that she needs.

"She has ambitions plans to break records and certainly has the determination and grit to do so."

Visit piphareoceanracing.com or vendeeglobe.org/en for further information.