18 September 2023
By Bryan McCarthy
bryan@TheCork.ie
The renowned, world-record-holding Irish off-shore sailor, Pamela Lee, was in Cork this weekend, gearing up ahead of her next Transatlantic adventure. That will be the 30th annual ‘Transat Jacques Vabre’ race, taking place from October 29th, 2023.
Arrivée de la CIC Normandy Channel Race 2023, Ouistreham le
Credit: Jean-Marie LIOT Images
Pamela was attending the annual France-Ireland Chamber event, hosted by Brittany Ferries on board its flagship vessel Pont-Aven, Saturday 16th of September. The guest of honour welcomed by Brittany Ferries president Jean-Marc Roué and chief executive Christophe Mathieu, as well as members of respective chambers on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Brittany Ferries used the occasion to confirm its sponsorship of Pamela and her sailing partner, French native Tiphaine Ragueneau. The company joins DFDS and French energy provider Engie as joint-sponsors of the Franco-Irish, all-female crew
The Transat Jacques Vabre race is a major event on the international sailing calendar and retraces the historic coffee route from Le Harve in France to Fort-de-France Bay in the Caribbean. More than 60 craft will take part this year.
Pamela and Tiphaine will be one of just three all-female competitive teams.
At the event, Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries stated, “As proud connectors of Ireland and France and strong supporters of the seafaring community globally we didn’t hesitate when approached to sponsor Pamela and Tiphaine on their forthcoming challenge. They are both incredibly determined and passionate about sailing, as well as increasing female participation in professional and amateur sport and offshore sailing. This dynamic duo represent the very best of partnership, endeavour and respect for seafarers and the seafaring community. That’s why we are so proud to sponsor them as they embark on this very impressive journey.”
In March this year, the Irish-French duo won the Cap pour Elles selection to take part in the Transat Jacques Vabre race, ahead of nine other pairs of young women. Cap pour Elles is an initiative designed as an opportunity to support up-and-coming female talent giving them the best chance to compete in this famous Transatlantic race.
A native of Greystones in county Wicklow, Pamela broke three world records as she sailed around Ireland in under four days in 2020.