Sailor Pamela Lee: 'I've crossed the Atlantic over 11 times but the first was the turning point'
Pamela Lee is no stranger to navigating the world's toughest oceans. One of Ireland's most accomplished offshore sailors, she has crossed the Atlantic more than 11 times and is now preparing for the 2026 Route du Rhum, a 3,500-nautical-mile solo transatlantic race.
With new backing from Danish shipping company DFDS, her #empowHer campaign supports diversity, opportunity and sustainability in the world of ocean racing.
Here, Pamela shares the places that shaped her journey and the landscapes that still call her back.
My favourite childhood holiday memory
I grew up in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, and most of my free time as a child was spent outdoors with my family. We'd go on campervan-type holidays all around Ireland, which usually involved some kind of boat — kayaks, canoes, dinghies — and lots of wild camping. I remember only one holiday we ever went on that didn't involve sailing, boats, or being at the sea.
Pamela Lee sailing with friends.
It was always campervan-type holidays: tents, wild toilets, no kitchens. I think growing up doing that made me totally fine with discomfort. Offshore racing is very rough and ready. There's no bathroom, no kitchen, you share everything for days.
People say, 'Isn't it uncomfortable?' And I never really think twice. Those holidays definitely helped shape that mindset.
My most memorable trip
After finishing my master's degree, I had the chance to do my first Atlantic crossing. It wasn't a race, just delivering a boat from Europe to the Caribbean with some mates.
It had always seemed like this great adventure, and it really was. Being in the middle of the ocean for the first time, I just loved it. That trip left a mark on me. It planted a seed. I didn't go pro right after, but that flame stayed lit. I've since crossed the Atlantic over 11 times, all different experiences, but that first one was the turning point.
Most surprising destination
Lee describes Brittany's Atlantic coast as the mecca of offshore sailing.
West France, Brittany's Atlantic coast, has surprised me the most. I never imagined myself living there. We came for the sailing, but it's become home. The beaches are incredible, the surf and kiting spots are amazing, and hidden camping gems are all over.
It's really the mecca of offshore sailing, especially the short-handed or solo racing I do.
It's like if you wanted to be a professional ice hockey player, you'd go to Canada — this is where you come to play at the top. The Celtic Breton culture is so like Irish culture, too. It's funny to be surprised by a place that's right across the water from Ireland.
My favourite cities
Pamela Lee: "One of my favourites has to be Essaouira in Morocco. I've been a few times."
One of my favourites has to be Essaouira in Morocco. I've been a few times. It's a gorgeous fishing town, smaller than Marrakech, a bit more chilled, but still has those amazing markets and rich culture.
There are huge fishing boats and chaotic seafood markets with cats everywhere. You can explore the city, then go surfing just outside. It's got that mix I love. I loved La Paz in Bolivia too.
I went backpacking there after college, and it stayed with me. It's way up in the mountains, completely landlocked, so it felt totally different to the life I usually live by the sea.
The culture is so rich, and everything about being there felt like stepping into another world. Even getting there was an adventure. It felt earned. And it was so rewarding.
Most beautiful country
Pamela Lee: "I had planned to spend three months there with a friend who works in safaris, but covid cut the trip short after ten days. Even in that short time, it made a huge impression."
Kenya. I had planned to spend three months there with a friend who works in safaris, but covid cut the trip short after ten days. Even in that short time, it made a huge impression.
The coastline was incredible — I went scuba diving and the coral was in better shape than the Caribbean. Inland, I got just a taste of the wildlife and nature, and it's something I really want to go back and explore properly. The people and culture were just as beautiful as the landscape.
My favourite thing to do while travelling
I love spending time with local people. Even when I'm travelling solo, I try to connect through a local guide or instructor for kite surfing, surfing, or even mountain treks.
It's a way of experiencing the place that goes beyond just sightseeing. You learn so much more when someone local shares their world with you.
My bucket list trip
Pamela Lee said her dream trip would be to sail through the Arctic or Antarctic, not in a race, just slowly taking it all in.
I have two. The first is to race around the world, that's a professional goal I'm working toward. But the second is more of a dream trip: to sail through the Arctic or Antarctic, not in a race, just slowly taking it all in.
I already have the skills, and it would be a privilege to use them that way. It would be incredible to float through still water, surrounded by ice and quiet.
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