Russell Crowe surprises solo sailor Pip Hare with an inspiring video message ahead of her birthday

Russell Crowe has provided some much-needed motivation for solo sailor Pip Hare, who is currently competing in the Vendée Globe yacht race.

In a video posted to Pip’s Twitter page on Thursday, the 56-year-old Oscar-winning actor shared a message ahead of her birthday on February 7. 

‘Happy birthday, Pip. I hear you’re sailing around the globe,’ he began, before joking about his own experience out on the water.

‘Now, just this morning, I was kayaking up Coffs Creek. I had a paddle, made it significantly easier. So, it’s a similar journey, I imagine. 

‘Anyway, I’m just sitting here thinking about the incredible challenge in front of you and how overwhelming that must feel some days. But just keep going.’

He added: ‘What an amazing feeling you’re going to have when you can say you’ve claimed the globe. Happy birthday, Pip. Sail well.’

The 46-year-old’s team explained that she’s a big fan of Russell’s work, and said his message would provide ‘huge encouragement’ for her on her solo journey.   

‘Pip’s favourite film is Master & Commander, so this will be a birthday message to remember,’ they captioned the post.  

A clearly ecstatic Pip responded to Russell’s message only hours later, sharing a video of herself out at sea on Twitter.

‘Thank you so much for my birthday message. You have no idea what a surprise and how great it was to receive it. I’ve been on my own for 87 days,’ she responded.

She captioned the post: ‘Today I got an amazing birthday message from @russellcrowe. Not much makes me speechless, but this did. I’m still reeling, but wanted to send this message back…’ 

The Vendée Globe began on November 28, and is considered the toughest yacht race in the world, with competitors tasked with sailing around the world nonstop and unassisted.