DFDS makes waves with support for women at sea
World-record-holding offshore sailor Pamela Lee and co-skipper Tiphaine Ragueneau hope to make waves with the support of sponsor DFDS as they prepare for the 30th annual Transat Jacques Vabre race.
Pamela, 34 from Greystones in County Wicklow, Ireland, and Tiphaine, 30 from the Finistère region of France, will be one of just three all-female teams taking part in the transatlantic race, which starts on 29 October 2023. They were joined by Chris Parker, Route Director Ireland, and Jean-Claude Charlo, Director for France, from DFDS as they completed their final preparation race at St Malo this weekend.
The pan-European ferry operator has announced a major sponsorship of the duo, which aligns with several initiatives it is taking to support women at sea. The company, which runs ferry services from the UK and Ireland to France, aims to grow the number of women who pursue careers in the maritime industry. DFDS joins Brittany Ferries and energy provider Engie as joint sponsors of the Class40 Transat crew.
Pamela said: “We’re thrilled to have DFDS on board as a major sponsor. Their commitment to provide opportunities to women at sea and their enthusiasm for helping us to show girls and young women that they can be successful in careers in the maritime world was a huge draw for us.”
Looking forward to the start of the Transat race, Tiphaine said: “We know the race will be very intense, and with this course we feel like we’re really stepping up a level, but we can’t wait to get started.”
Chris Parker at DFDS said: “It has been an incredible experience to join Pamela and Tiphaine as they complete their preparations for the Transat. Our support for this Irish and French pairing is a symbol of our strong commitment to forging closer links between the two countries. We are building close relationships with partners in both nations to become part of the cultural and social fabric of the regions we serve. Pamela and Tiphaine’s participation in this internationally renowned race will inspire colleagues in Ireland, France, and across Europe. We wish them ‘bon chance’ with fair winds and following seas for their Atlantic crossing.”
Gemma Griffin, Vice President and Head of Global Crewing at DFDS, said: “Pamela and Tiphaine are an inspiration to all the women who set their sights high and want to achieve great things at sea, in sport and in their chosen careers. We share their passion to encourage more women into our industry and we are so pleased that DFDS has been able to support them in their journey to the start line. We will be watching their progress closely and cheering their successes throughout the race.”
The Transat Jacques Vabre race is one of the most prestigious events on the international sailing calendar with 100 boats taking part. Its route runs from the French seaside resort of Le Havre to Fort-de-France Bay in the Caribbean. Ten days of festivities take place in Le Havre before the race begins, all of which are free to attend.
Pamela is an experienced sailor who has crossed the Atlantic eight times in her career. She holds three world speed sailing records for Around Ireland races and took a second place overall in the round-Italy race in 2021. Tiphaine works as a full-time vet in France and has been a competitive sailor for ten years, competing at World Championship Level since 2017.
For more information about how DFDS is working to increase opportunities #forwomenatsea follow the company on X, Facebook, or Instagram. DFDS runs ferry services from Rosslare to Dunkirk, Newhaven to Dieppe, Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk.