Why Small, High-Quality Components Matter – Insights from Pip Hare at Metstrade 2025

At Metstrade 2025, JCS High Torque were pleased to welcome long-time ambassador Pip Hare to the stand for a discussion centred on a principle shared by both offshore sailors and marine engineers: reliability begins with the smallest components.

JCS has sponsored Pip for several years, supporting her through multiple IMOCA campaigns and refits. Throughout that time, Pip has repeatedly demonstrated how essential high-quality, precision-engineered parts are to the integrity of a vessel operating under extreme loads and in the harshest marine environments.

Pip shared examples from her Vendée Globe preparations and races that underline the critical importance of selecting components that are properly engineered, thoroughly tested and capable of performing under sustained stress.

A Small Clamp Preventing a Major Failure

In an early IMOCA race, a bolt securing the mast base on Pip’s boat began to unwind mid-race. The issue was minor in size but significant in consequence; if the mast rotated further, structural failure was a real possibility.

With limited options available offshore, Pip used a JCS Hi-Torque hose clamp to secure the mast stub and prevent further movement. The clamp held for the remainder of the race.

This incident illustrates a core principle in marine engineering: a small, dependable component can prevent the escalation of a critical system failure.
It is precisely why Hi-Torque clamps are engineered to deliver consistent, high-strength performance under vibration and variable load.

When a Minor Defect Causes Major Downtime

Not all components offshore are engineered to the same standard. Pip described a separate incident during the Vendée Globe in which a relay within her keel system failed because a single diode had been soldered incorrectly. Although physically small, the component’s role was vital, and its failure resulted in hours of lost time at sea.

This example reinforces a key JCS principle: every component, regardless of its size, must be built correctly, tested thoroughly, and selected with care. Attention to detail is not optional in an offshore environment; it is the foundation of safety and reliability.

Prepared for the Unexpected

Pip also spoke about the dismasting she experienced in the Southern Ocean. Although the cause of the failure remains unknown, her ability to manage the situation was the result of meticulous preparation. Tools were positioned correctly, essential items were ready to deploy, and every spare onboard had been chosen for reliability and performance.

This approach mirrors JCS’s own philosophy:

• engineer out failure points
• maintain full production control
• ensure every component earns its place
• design for consistent performance under extreme conditions

Why JCS Components Earn Their Place Offshore

When discussing how she selects equipment for her IMOCA, Pip was clear: only components that earn their place make it onboard. Weight, reliability, corrosion resistance and performance under vibration all play a role in that decision.

This is why Pip relies on JCS Hi-Torque clamps across her systems. Although small, these components secure critical connections in fuel, hydraulic, and cooling circuit – areas where failure is simply not acceptable.

In ocean racing, as in marine engineering, it is the smallest details that dictate long-term reliability. And when the details matter, quality is the only option.

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