Francesca
CLAPCICH

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.