News
12.17.25
11th Hour Racing named impact partner of The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026
Partnership to Drive Sustainability, Science, Ocean Literacy and Gender Equity.
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| Age | 37 (1/28/88) |
|---|---|
| Top performance | Winner of The Ocean Race with 11th Hour Racing Team in the last edition |
| Joined Imoca on | 2022 |
| Team | Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing |
| Base | Lorient (FRANCE) |
| Partners | 11th Hour Racing Team |
| Commitment | BELONG BELIEVE ACHIEVE |
Francesca began sailing in her hometown of Trieste, Italy in 1999. After graduating from the Nautical Institute of Trieste and San Raffaele University with a Sport Science degree, she joined the Italian Air Force and served as a First Senior Airman.
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 2025, 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.
In March 2025, Francesca Clapcich announced that, together with her main sponsor 11th Hour Racing, she is launching her campaign to participate in the 2028 Vendée Globe. Francesca Clapcich’s team will use her IMOCA campaign, her experience as a professional athlete, and offshore racing to help fight discrimination and climate change through education, advocacy, and collective action.
To this end, she is purchasing the boat Malizia - Sea Explorer from Boris Herrmann, following the 2025 Transat Jacques Vabre.
While waiting for her IMOCA, Francesca will sail with Team Malizia in crewed races.
2021: La Solitaire du Figaro - 25th
2017-2018: The Ocean Race - 6th (Turn the Tide on Plastic)
2016: Olympic Games - 5th (49erFX)
2015: 49erFX World Champion, European Champion, and Italian Champion
2012: Olympic Games - 19th (Laser Radial)
| Name | 11TH HOUR RACING |
|---|---|
| Sail number | USA 1297 |
| Architect | VPLP |
| Construction | 2022, Multiplast |
| Former names | MALIZIA - SEA EXPLORER |
| Length | 18,28 m |
| Beam | NC |
| Draught | 4,5 m |
| Weight | NC |
| Mast height | 29 m |
| Mast type | Wing mast |
| Foils | Yes |
| Sail area max. | |
| Upwind | 270 m2 |
| Downwind | 550 m2 |
Partnership to Drive Sustainability, Science, Ocean Literacy and Gender Equity.
•••With no retirements, a thrilling contest throughout the 18-strong fleet and near record-breaking speeds, the IMOCA Class delivered something spectacular in the season-ending Transat Café L’OR.
•••The French sailors Jérémie Beyou and Morgan Lagravière on board Charal today sailed to victory in the 17th edition of the Transat Café L’OR, to complete a convincing win in the IMOCA Class.
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