Francesca Clapcich

Francesca Clapcich logo

Francesca Clapcich, who is now leading Team Francesca Chapcich powered by 11th Hour Racing, has a mission to cultivate a safe, diverse, and equitable environment within the sailing industry. With this campaign, Francesca is combining elite offshore racing in the IMOCA class, with a mission to expand access to the sport and drive climate action within the maritime industry.

With the support of 11th Hour Racing as Title Sponsor, Francesca is embarking on a groundbreaking campaign over the next five years. Her goal: to be the first woman from either the United States or Italy to compete in the 2028 Vendée Globe—the legendary solo, non-stop, unassisted around-the-world sailboat race. If she completes the notoriously challenging event, Francesca will make history as the first person to compete in sailing’s “Big Four”: the Olympics, the America’s Cup, The Ocean Race, and the Vendée Globe.

 

Visit the Francesca Clapcich website

Powered by 11th Hour Racing

In collaboration with 11th Hour Racing, Francesca Clapcich is breaking down barriers to create a more inclusive and accessible sailing community. This collaboration is built on a commitment to diversity, equity, and opportunity—ensuring the sport welcomes and empowers all.

Sustainability and social responsibility are at the core of the team’s mission. By protecting marine environments and advocating for coastal communities, they are advancing climate justice and shaping a more sustainable future for sailing.

This partnership, first established in 2024, strengthens a shared vision: sailing as a platform for opportunity, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Through her Believe, Belong, Achieve campaign, Clapcich is not only inspiring the next generation but also driving urgent action for a healthier planet—on and off the water.

Background

Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing is led by Italian-American record-setting offshore sailor, Francesca Clapcich. A highly versatile sailor, she represented Italy at both the London and Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, she has raced around the world twice, becoming the first Italian to ever win in the 50-year history of The Ocean Race in the 2022-23 edition, and in 2024 she represented the USA in the Puig Women’s America’s Cup. From February 2024-25, Francesca was also skipper of UpWind by MerConcept, the very first all-female team racing in the Ocean Fifty Series. In March 2024, Clapcich announced that, alongside Title Sponsor 11th Hour Racing, she will start her bid to enter the 2028 Vendée Globe – racing solo, non-stop around the world.

 

Team Francesca Clapcich will use the IMOCA campaign, Francesca’s experiences as a professional athlete, and the sport of sailing to contribute to tackling discrimination and climate change through education, advocacy, and collective action. Clapcich lives in Park City, Utah, with her wife, Sally Barkow, also an Olympian, and their 2-year-old daughter, Harriet.

Learn more at FrancescaClapcich.com.

Photo credit: Eloi Stichelbaut – polaRYSE / 11th Hour Racing