Italian-American professional sailor Francesca Clapcich is preparing to compete in the Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe, aiming to secure a top 5 finish in her first solo participation in the race. The 37-year-old skipper, who divides her time between her home in Utah and training in Brittany, currently leads the IMOCA Globe Series as she enters the final major race of her season.
Technical Confidence and Progress
Clapcich, who is known by the nickname "Frankie," serves as the primary skipper for 11th Hour Racing. She is currently navigating in the IMOCA class aboard an ex-Malizia vessel, which was launched in 2022 and designed by VPLP. Clapcich noted that her greatest area of progress this season has been her deep knowledge of the boat, stating that understanding how it reacts and knowing which sail configurations to use gives her significant confidence.
Recent Competitive Success
The upcoming race represents a major milestone for the sailor, who has previously achieved success in crewed competitions. Clapcich's recent competitive history includes a 5th-place finish in the solo Vende Arctique this season and a 2nd-place finish in The Ocean Race as part of a crew. In 2025, she and Will Harris achieved a historic 2nd-place result in the IMOCA class at the Transat Caf L'Or, marking the best women's result in the event in 20 years.
A Career of Firsts
Clapcich's career is marked by several historic milestones in offshore racing. She is the first Italian woman to race the Solitaire du Figaro and the first woman skipper in the Ocean Fifty Series. Additionally, she made history during the 2022-2023 edition of The Ocean Race, becoming the first Italian woman to win the event in 50 years of the competition's history. Her professional experience also includes representing the United States during the 2024 Women's America's Cup and competing as a two-time Olympian in London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Teamwork and Reliability
Despite her high ranking, Clapcich expressed that her current position at the top of the IMOCA Globe Series was not an initial goal for the season. She attributed the ranking to the intensive work of her team at 11th Hour Racing, noting that the boat has proven highly reliable by finishing every race they have entered so far. She emphasized that her primary objective for the Route du Rhum is to apply everything she has learned to achieve a strong performance.
Competitive Landscape
The sailor faces a highly competitive field in the Route du Rhum, which includes 21 other competitors. Among the notable participants are Sam Goodchild, the skipper of MACIF Sant Prvoyance, and Jrm Beyou of Charal. Clapcich observed that the nature of racing within the fleet has evolved, noting that the competition has become increasingly intense where competitors must maintain a high pace to avoid falling behind.
Advocacy and Community
Beyond her athletic achievements, Clapcich is an advocate for environmental protection and social inclusion. Through her "Believe, Belong, Achieve" message, she works to promote diversity and equality within the sport. She also engages in community initiatives, such as organizing meetings with youth, instructor training, and workshops. Clapcich noted that the support from those invested in her project provides immense motivation during the difficult periods of solo racing.
Preparation and Challenges
While Clapcich feels mentally prepared for the challenges ahead, she acknowledged the difficulty of balancing professional sailing with motherhood. She noted that managing training schedules alongside the needs of her young daughter requires making difficult choices. As she prepares for the start of the race, she remains focused on completing the event safely, stating that winning requires first ensuring the boat survives the conditions.
