VENDEE Globe veteran Pip Hare has broken two records at once when she sailed round the Isle of Wight single-handed.

Not only did the Poole-based sailor complete the voyage in the new outright fastest time for a solo sailor, she now holds the overall 60ft boat record crewed or solo.

Pip started the attempt at 5am and completed the record in 4 hours, 48 minutes and 38seconds, covering 60 nautical mile.

Hare said: “There was a big southerly coming down the Channel and I managed to time it just right. I was behind at half way round, and I thought about giving up and going home to Poole, but I’m not very good at quitting, so thought I’d carry on and see what happened.

“It was wet and wild until the last mile, when there was no wind at all. But I made it in under five hours and was absolutely chuffed.

“I’m proud that it’s an outright world record – fastest time solo around the Isle of Wight. Ever.”

The record was ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.

Hare said: “The news came through just hours after we heard that the Route du Rhum – due to start the next day – was postponed. So I went from a being a bit gutted, to being elated that I can now say I’m a record-breaker. It’s a huge boost to my confidence.”