Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Displaying items by tag: Island Crossings

Following the success of BBC's eight-part T.V. documentary about Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), the ferry operator is delighted to confirm a second series of ‘Island Crossings’ has been commissioned.

The first series which went behind the scenes, as Afloat reported, focused on the working lives of the crew and staff who serve west coast islands and communities across the network. It also focused on many of the people and communities which depend on CalMac, exploring their way of life and livelihoods.

Feedback about the first series from viewers, CalMac staff and communities has been very positive. Viewing figures when watched live and on BBC iPlayer has also been high.

Island Crossings is being created by IWC Media, the production company is also behind Susan Calman's Secret Scotland (Channel 5), Scotland's Home of The Year (BBC One) and Location, Location, Location (Channel 4). They are preparing to travel the network once again in a bid to gather stories and filming opportunities. The second series will feature many people and places across the network.

Robbie Drummond, Chief Executive of CalMac, said: "We are delighted with the success of series one, and are really looking forward to providing more insights into how CalMac operates. I really welcome the opportunity for us to give a true reflection of the lengths our people go to, to provide the best service we can for our communities and customers, highlighting the service that our colleagues provide every day even in challenging circumstances.

"Our customers constantly tell us how much they value and appreciate the people who work for CalMac, and Island Crossings is giving us the ideal platform to show viewers how committed they are to helping customers and island communities."

All of the episodes of series one of Island Crossings are available to view on BBC iPlayer here.

Published in Maritime TV

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.