POOLE yachtsman Pip Hare has set off on her 2,400-mile, unaided voyage around the world as part of the Vendée Globe yacht race.

Having set off from Les Sables d’Olonne in France on Sunday November 8, Pip now faces three months at sea in the single-handed non-stop round the world race.

The race was delayed by one hour and 18 minutes as the fleet waited for sea mist to clear for the start of the ninth edition of the Vendée Globe solo race.

The around the world event was started at 2.20pm local time in near perfect conditions off Les Sables d’Olonne on the French Atlantic coast.

Fewer than 100 people have completed the Vendée Globe with only seven of those being women in its 31-year history.

The fact that more men have walked on the moon than women have completed the Vendée Globe has been a great source of inspiration for Pip ahead of the race.

Speaking before the start of the Vendée Globe, Pip Hare said: “It's been a long road to get to the start of this race - and one I've been dreaming of since I was 16.

“So, I am having to pinch myself that I'm actually here and about to set off around the world, non-stop, on my own. And to do that in a fleet that includes such incredible sailors - including five other women - is amazing.

“I have to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped get me to this point - I couldn't have done it without them.

“So now it's up to me and Medallia to do the very best we can in this iconic race and make everyone proud- and I can't wait to do just that."

Founded by Philippe Jeantot in 1989, The Vendée Globe was named after the Département of Vendée, in France, where the race starts and ends.

All 33 skippers passed their PRC Covid-19 tests, taken 48 hours before the start of the race, ensuring a complete boat entry for the Vendée Globe.

Having set off from France, Pip and other competitors will endure the elements of the Atlantic Ocean and make their way south past Spain and Africa’s west coast to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

From there they will head east in the direction of Australia and New Zealand before crossing the Pacific Ocean to South America.

Once they reach the waters off the coast of Cape Horn, an archipelago off the coast of Chile, they will then begin their journey north back to France for the finish.