Francesca Clapcich Sets Her Sights on the 2028 Vendée Globe with Strengthened Support from 11th Hour Racing
Italian sailor Francesca Clapcich is preparing for a new challenge: competing in the 2028 Vendée Globe. This initiative is backed by an expanded partnership with 11th Hour Racing, an organization committed to promoting sustainability and inclusivity in sailing.
An Impressive Career
Francesca Clapcich has built an outstanding track record:
- Olympic Participation: She represented Italy at the London 2012 Olympics (Laser Radial) and the Rio 2016 Olympics (49erFX).
- The Ocean Race: She became the first Italian woman to win this legendary race in 2023 with the 11th Hour Racing Team.
- Women’s America’s Cup: In 2024, she competed as a member of the American Magic Women’s Team in the Puig Women’s America’s Cup.
Targeting the 2028 Vendée Globe
With the support of 11th Hour Racing, Clapcich is embarking on a five-year campaign to qualify for the 2028 Vendée Globe. She will compete in various transatlantic races in solo, double-handed, and crewed formats. To meet the technical demands of the 60-foot IMOCA class, she is collaborating with Team Malizia, led by Boris Herrmann, as her technical partner. Her team has also acquired Malizia-Seaexplorer, the IMOCA yacht Herrmann sailed to third place in the 2024 Vendée Globe.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusivity
Beyond competition, Clapcich and 11th Hour Racing are dedicated to promoting sustainability and inclusivity in sailing. Their partnership aims to break down barriers in professional sailing, inspire the next generation, and highlight the urgent need for ocean conservation. Planned initiatives include peer-to-peer workshops and training programs for sailing instructors to create a more diverse and equitable environment in the sport.
About 11th Hour Racing
Founded over a decade ago, 11th Hour Racing is committed to advancing ocean health and resilience. The organization supports innovative, sustainable solutions in the maritime industry and beyond, leveraging sports, storytelling, and grant-making to build healthy planetary systems and strong communities. Notably, it was the title sponsor of the 11th Hour Racing Team, the first American team to win The Ocean Race in 2023.
