The Duchess of Kent Trophy was bequeathed to the Association by B.H. LePine Williams following the demise of the Motor Boats Association. It had previously been awarded to Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay for his role in organising the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk in 1940. In this same spirit, it is now presented to any sailor, not necessarily a CA member, who has achieved something exceptional in or around small boats.
It was awarded in 2021 to Pip Hare, the 47-year-old from East Anglia, for her successful completion of the Vendée Globe race in her 21-year-old IMOCA Medallia. She was the first British skipper to reach the finish in the 2020-21 race and is only the eighth woman ever to complete the event. Her upbeat reports during the race gained her a huge following.
Pip told us: "I am honoured to have been nominated to receive this award and very happily accept it. The Vendée Globe race was not only the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition but it was the highlight of a lifelong professional career in sailing. I loved every aspect of the race and am so pleased that so many people tuned in to share it with me. Sailing is the most incredible sport, it is diverse in a way that not many activities are. I am lucky that I have been able to make a career out of my passion."
26 April 2021
Highlights of Pip's race