Sailor Pamela Lee: 'I've crossed the Atlantic over 11 times but the first was the turning point'
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.
Read More
Seema Pankhania: The aftermath of an accident in Colombia gave me so much faith in people and travel
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
36 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
My favourite room: ‘Growing up gay in rural Ireland and being bullied is what I figured is at the root of my alcoholism' – inside Noel Cunningham's renovated childhood home
Broadcaster, hotelier and author Noel Cunningham spent many years living in luxury in plush hotels here and abroad, however he's delighted to make his base the house in Donegal where he grew up with his five siblings, now furnished in a riot of joyful colour Today at 00:30 Half doors used to be a common sight in the Irish countryside, and while they were designed for ventilation, an open half door also meant the occupants were at home and welcoming. So, it seems fitting that Noel Cunningham put a half door on his family cottage when he took it over nine years ago. Noel, the second most famous hotelier in Ireland after Francis Brennan, has spent his life welcoming people in his professional capacity as a hotel manager. He's worked in hospitality since his teens and he's spent many years with Jurys Doyle Hotels (now The Doyle Collection), Trust House Forte in England, then with Harvey's Point in Donegal. He retired some years ago but because he has such an engaging personality, colourful way of dressing and eloquent turn of phrase, he's been in demand ever since for TV, radio and charitable activities.
Irish Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
What to expect if you're going to Oasis Sunday after one of the best gigs ever
I was lucky enough to get tickets for the first sold-out Oasis spectacular at Croke Park and it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. The show marked Noel and Liam Gallagher's first live performance together in more than 16 years, following their bitter break up in 2009. I thought the Croke Park gig was 'everything Irish fans could have wished for, with a little bit extra sprinkled on top'. You can read my review here. If you are heading along today, here are some pointers that should help you get even more out of what could well be one of the best nights out of your life. Get to the city centre early and soak up the atmosphere The excitement on the streets of Dublin on Saturday was palpable. The good weather and the feverish anticipation about the concert seemed to have everyone in good form. Oasis Fans Mike and Julie from Manchester in Temple Bar ahead of the Croke Park show on Sunday (Image: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos) Bars in the city centre were packed out from early afternoon. Houses were flying Oasis flags, Dublin City council signs were in the band's branding and shops and hotels all seemed to be blasting out Oasis' greatest hits. The sense of '90s nostalgia was in the air and I don't recall ever going to a Croke Park concert with such pre-show excitement. And the Oasis merch shop must have done a brisk trade as everyone seemed to be kitted out in the band's t-shirts. Bucket hats and Adidas sportswear were the uniform of choice for the supporters who gathered in the streets and bars close to the stadium, which did not open until 5pm. Use public transport Public transport was the easiest way to get close to the stadium. Dublin Bus, DART and commuter train services are running additional capacity, with Drumcondra and Connolly stations a short walk from the venue. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around Croke Park. Oasis fans at Croke Park Check out the list of items banned from the stadium Don't bring any large bags or backpacks to the stadium as they are not allowed and there is nowhere to store personal items until after the show. Reflective jackets, Chinese lanterns and iPads are on the list of what can't be brought into Croke Park, which is long and as strict as you expect for large public gatherings in 2025. Air horns, flagpoles, selfie sticks, prams, cameras with detachable lenses and fold-up chairs are all stopped. Check out the full list of banned items here. Expect lengthy queues at Croke Park bars and food stalls It's best to enjoy your few beers and have some food before you get to the stadium as the queues inside Croke Park were lengthy until Oasis took to the stage. In the Hogan Stand yesterday, it took more than 30 minutes to get a drink from the bar. However, after Oasis went onstage, the queues disappeared so if you do get thirsty you will have options. The stage times advertised are real Having been to hundreds of shows as a reviewer over the past 22 years, I generally never expect bands to come on stage when the published set times say they will. Liam and Noel arrived on stage bang on time (Image: Philip Fitzpatrick) However, this Oasis tour is an exception. Cast were onstage at exactly 6pm on Saturday and Richard Ashcroft walked out at 7pm. Liam and Noel entered the stage at bang on 8.15 as advertised. So get in early and get your seats (or your space on the pitch if you are standing). Dress sensibly You can expect a few pints of beer and other drinks to be spilled, so it's probably wise not to wear your fanciest clothes. You'll need comfortable walking shoes for after the concert as the traffic management plan means you'll be on your feet for a while before you reach an area where you can hail a taxi or get a bus. Wear earplugs Noise levels were regularly between 100dB and 110dB throughout the first concert. It wasn't always the music, as the screams from the excited crowd were also deafening. It is no harm to wear protective earplugs and you will still enjoy the music. Headphone brand Sennheiser's parent company Phonak manufactures Serenity Choice Music earplugs specifically for gigs and they will reduce noise levels by between 10dB and 17dB. Enjoy the set At the first Croke Park concert, Liam, Noel, Bonehead, Gem, Andy and Joey played the same two-hour setlist that they have performed on every night of the Oasis Live 25 tour so far. They opened with Hello before playing Acquiesce, Morning Glory, Some Might Say, Bring It On Down, Cigarettes & Alcohol, Fade Away, Supersonic and Roll With It. Liam then left the stage and Noel took over vocal duties for Talk Tonight, Half the World Away and Little By Little before Liam rejoined the action for D'You Know What I Mean, Stand By Me, Cast No Shadow, Slide Away, Whatever, Live Forever and Rock and Roll Star. The encore started with Noel singing The Masterplan and Don't Look Back in Anger before Liam took over on the microphone for Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish tourists warning as 45C temps in Spain hotspots prompt RED weather alerts
Irish tourists have been warned about extreme temperatures in some of Spain's tourist hotspots after a series of red weather alerts were issued on Sunday. The official Spanish meteorological service, AEMET, has issued red alerts to 19 areas across the country, including areas such as Andalusia, Catalonia and Valencia, with popular locations such as Alicante, Cadiz, Girona and Seville also affected. Maximum temperatures in areas affected by the red alerts are expected to reach between 40 and 45C on Sunday between the hours of 11am and 9pm. Elsewhere in Spain, areas such as Madrid and the Balearic Islands have been issued with orange alerts, with temperatures in parts of Ibiza and Majorca set to reach 42C. The affected 19 areas issued with red alerts have been classified as having 'extreme risk', which applies to 'unusual weather events of exceptional intensity and with a very high level of risk to the population'. Red weather alerts have been issued to multiple areas in Spain (Image: AEMET) In these circumstances, people in affected areas are urged to 'take preventative measures and act', to follow the instructions of local authorities, avoid unnecessary travel and constantly check weather updates. The alerts come after a rare 'black flag' warning was issued to tourists visiting La Gracios in the Canary Islands last week. La Graciosa, a volcanic island, sits approximately 1.2 miles north of Lanzarote across the Strait of El Río. Similar to other Canary Islands, it was created by the Canary hotspot - a plume of exceptionally hot magma within the Earth's mantle. The Spanish territory has been characterised as one of Europe's final destinations without tarmacked roads and amongst the least discovered and most tranquil of the Canary Islands. The island forms a volcanic massif sculpted by molten ash and lava, contributing to its striking landscape. Playa de Caleta de Sebo, the "town beach" of La Graciosa's capital, alongside Playa de la Francesa, situated slightly further down the coastline, featured on the yearly Black Flag catalogue released by environmental organisation Ecologistas en Acción (Ecologists in Action). Ecologistas en Acción's yearly assessment, which has been exposing environmental mismanagement across Spain since 2005, catalogues the beaches awarded a black flag this year. According to Ecologists in Action, the beach at Caleta de Sebo remains in a "poor state of conservation", with debris from vessels, beachgoers and eateries adding to contamination. At Playa de la Francesa, locals highlight concerns about catamaran excursions descending upon the location "holding parties, meals, games, and contests with loud music and leaving waste behind on the sand and in the water". Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
