The two young sailors won the Cap sur Elles selection which affords them a high level of support to compete in the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre which starts on October 29th.
Lee (34) is already an accomplished ocean sailor with a growing record of successes offshore whilst working in France as support technical and sailing crew on a variety of high profile projects. Her co-skipper Ragueneau (30) is a full time veterinarian. In early March they won the selection against considerable competition. The duo gain financial, technical and coaching support as well as expertise in organization and communication.
Now they can also count on the support of a pair of truly inspiring woman as the godmothers of their project. At 39 Stéphanie Frappart has established herself as a global inspiration in the sport of football as the first woman to have refereed a Ligue 1 match (2019), a men's international match (2020) more recently World Cup matches (2022 ).
"I have always supported initiatives that allow women to express themselves and show their skills across all areas," says Stéphanie Frappart. “It's important to show that women can take full, equal responsibility everywhere, especially in offshore racing."
This initiative is designed to open more top level opportunities for female sailors to redress the gender balance , "can also inspire young women or girls to pursue a career in the sport but who are reluctant to take the plunge," said the international referee.
Frappart also aspires to "share her experience operating at the very top level" by talking with Pamela and Tiphaine. "There are always commonathemes and ideas to pursue, connections to be made between our activities and passions," she says.
“They are role models for many women” (Pamela Lee)