Ireland's Pam Lee Diverts to Baltimore After Engine Problems

13th July 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Race Reality – Ireland's Pam Lee records an onboard video update from her Pogo S4 EmpowHer after engine problems forced her to divert to Baltimore during the Drheam-Cup, a Route du Rhum qualifying race Credit: Pam Lee

Ireland's Pam Lee has diverted to Baltimore, West Cork, after suffering engine problems during the opening stages of the 2026 Drheam-Cup, one of the qualifying races for the Route du Rhum.

The solo skipper, racing her Pogo S4 EmpowHer (FRA178), said her engine became flooded in the demanding conditions shortly after Saturday's start from Cherbourg, leaving her unable to restart it or recharge her batteries.

"I tried everything necessary to repair it, but I don't have the tools to open it up," Lee said in an update. "I spent two hours trying without success."

With no engine and no means of charging her batteries, Lee said she decided to head for the nearest safe harbour at Baltimore.

"My friends in Baltimore have already been incredibly helpful," she said.

By Sunday morning, race organisers had confirmed ten retirements across the 106-boat fleet following a fast and demanding start in a fresh east-north-easterly breeze. Lee was not included on the official retirement list at that stage.

The Drheam-Cup is one of the key offshore races in the qualification pathway for the 2026 Route du Rhum transatlantic race.

A further update is expected once Lee has assessed the damage and confirmed her plans.

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About Pamela Lee, Irish Offshore Sailor

Ireland has produced some of the world’s most dedicated offshore sailors, and Pamela Lee of Greystones is one of them. She has made a name for herself in the sailing world, having worked as a mate on a charter Super-yacht for two and a half years. After coming ashore, she has been fully committed to her offshore sailing ambitions since 2019.

Lee has raced in various craft, including Figaro 3s, Class 40, Tp 52s, and multihulls, and has eight transatlantic crossings under her belt. In partnership with Kenny Rumball, Lee supported Rumball’s La Solitaire du Figaro sailing campaign to secure the Irish berth in the proposed Mixed Offshore Keelboat event for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

One of Lee’s stated main aims is to promote female empowerment in sport, and she set out to establish a double-handed Round Ireland speed record with Englishwoman Cat Hunt in the winter of 2020. This campaign gained much publicity, and Lee expressed pride in bringing sailing and offshore sailing, in particular, into the conversation for 2020.

To further her offshore sailing career, Lee moved to France, where she has recently secured a place to skipper a yacht in the Transat Jacques Vabre Challenge in October 2023. Lee’s passion and dedication to offshore sailing are inspiring, and her achievements are a testament to her hard work and perseverance.