UpWind is Go! Have you applied?

Upwind by MerConcept is now launched and the applications are now open! We are looking for female sailors, from anywhere in the world, who are ready to take their next step in offshore sailing. The program will provide female sailors with racing opportunities at the highest levels of the sport, mentored by some of the industry's most experienced sailors and technical shore teams. I’ll be skippering the team for the next two years in the Ocean Fifty offshore trimaran circuit in a multi-event series, including a west-to-east transatlantic race.

You can read more about the program here and the application form is here.

Why I believe this is important

I’ve been asked a number of times why this is so important to me. And the answer is pretty simple … there is still a big gap in opportunities and equity for women in the sport of sailing.

At UpWind we are ambitious - we want to change the offshore multihull industry (and wider ..!), creating more opportunities for women and building a pool of sailors ready to race at the highest level of the sport.

Francesca at the tiller onboard the UpWind Ocean Fifty

We have put a lot of effort into putting an accessible, fair, and just application system in place. Along with 11th Hour Racing and MerConcept, we want to ensure the female sailors who are applying feel respected and heard and it’s our responsibility and role to make sure we are going through the applicant’s forms unbiased, open-minded, and with the clear goal of putting together the best-performing team.

Don’t be discouraged!

Apply! Don’t get discouraged if you think “Ohh I might not be good enough,” or “I’m not sure if I can commit enough time,”, or the tons of other questions that inevitably come up in our minds when we want to apply for something. The process is part of the journey.

At the end, only a small pool will be selected but the process of going through the application will make all of us grow and learn. I can promise you that we will do our best homework, with a diverse board of selectors, with a lot of input to make it fair for all.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a team that is passionate, and shares the commitment for diversity, inclusion, and sustainable excellence in offshore sailing. Apply now to become a part of UpWind by MerConcept here.