Meet the Team
With the ambition of creating a positive impact in competitive sport, Frankie’s team will be racing at the very highest levels of the sport, with diversity, equity, inclusion, and access values running through every decision they make.
The racing calendar for 2024 and 2025 will be announced in early 2024.
TEAM CEO
The visionary powerhouse. A world-class athlete who has competed at the very highest levels of the sport, both inshore and offshore. When Francesca isn’t on the water, she can be found at home in the mountains teaching her daughter to ski.
“I am determined to use my privilege and my platform to advocate for others, and to make the sport of sailing safe and welcoming for everyone.”
Francesca Clapcich (she/her)
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Based in California, Melinda has blended her passion for yacht racing—accumulating 20,000 offshore race miles—with her legal and management expertise, seamlessly integrating into the core management group of three America's Cup teams for the past 20 years.
“The transformative potential of sports to drive change is what excites me about this campaign with Francesca.”
Melinda Erkelens
(she/her)
COMMUNICATIONS LEAD - ITALY
Proudly Italian but with an international perspective, Carla’s passion for sport came from her father. She’s turned that passion into a career, both as a journalist and as a press officer for many national, and international events and athletes.
“There are only a few athletes who have been able to earn my respect and admiration, and with Francesca, it is for what she does both at sea and ashore.”
Carla Anselmi
(she/her)
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Emily has the enviable job of telling stories about great athletes, great adventures, and great races. She’s based in the UK and has worked in sports marketing, sports sponsorship, PR and communications for over 25 years.
“I want to break down barriers, to make the sailing world accessible to all, wherever you are from, and whomever you may be.”
Emily Caroe
(she/her)
Marie Launay
(she/her)
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Marie has worked in the sailing world for five years and is based in the home of offshore sailing - Lorient, France. An ocean-lover, when she isn't managing all things social and digital, she can be found on or near a beach sailing, surfing, and swimming.
"Frankie's energy is infectious - it creates waves of interest and opportunities to create real change in the sport that I love."
Team Values & Behaviors
We’ve thought long and hard about who we want to be, how we want to behave, and what impact we want to have during our campaign. We have five Values and Behaviors we will look to apply in everything we do: respect, accountability, creativity, equity, and empowerment.
We are sharing our expected Values and Behaviors openly to make us accountable each and every day.
© Harry KH | The Ocean Race | 11th Hour Racing Team
Together, let us create a future where inclusivity thrives, barriers crumble, and every individual, regardless of background, feels seen, heard, and empowered. It is my mission to inspire change and foster a community where diversity is celebrated, and equality is the norm.
Francesca Clapcich
