"I am here to represent a diverse community within our sport and on the most prominent stages."

"I’ve been the first to do things and now it’s time to make sure I’m not the last."

"I am here to represent a diverse community within our sport and on the most prominent stages." • "I’ve been the first to do things and now it’s time to make sure I’m not the last." •

Francesca  Clapcich
     © Amory Ross | The Ocean Race | 11th Hour Racing

About Francesca

A fearless professional sailor, Olympic athlete, outdoor enthusiast, wife, and mother.

Francesca Clapcich is one of the world’s most versatile professional sailors. She's one of a handful of athletes to have competed in many disciplines at the highest levels of the sport. She is a double Olympian, round-the-world sailor (and the first Italian to win The Ocean Race), World, European, and National Champion, and Women’s America’s Cup sailor. Her next big goal is to compete in the 2028 Vendée Globe, sailing solo and non-stop around the planet.

In both her professional and personal life, Francesca seeks solutions to inspire change and foster a community where diversity is celebrated, and equality is the norm, both on and off the water.

MILES

Raced around the planet so far in her sailing career

70,000

ITALIAN

To win The Ocean Race - the longest, toughest sporting event

1st

Powered by 11th Hour Racing

In January 2024, 11th Hour Racing announced its sponsorship of Italian professional sailor Francesca Clapcich, to join its global initiatives working toward a more inclusive, sustainable future. The Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.-based organization will power Francesca Clapcich to build on her work creating a safe and inclusive environment within sailing for everyone. “We are excited to support an athlete who prioritizes social development. This is an important step toward broadening our work to focus on social sustainability in sport and competitive sailing,” said 11th Hour Racing co-founder and CEO, Jeremy Pochman.

© Amory Ross | The Ocean Race | 11th Hour Racing

Passion, drive, determination, and high-performance runs through her veins; we look forward to powering and empowering Francesca to create impactful and measurable change in the sailing world and beyond.

Alessandra Ghezzi VP of Communications & Marketing, 11th Hour Racing

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Thanks to The Ocean Race, American Magic, and UpWind by MerConcept for footage and images!