Italian-American offshore sailor Francesca Clapcich onboard 11th Hour Racing has finished the Vendée Arctique-Les Sables d'Olonne in fifth place, after 8 days, 20 hours, 31 minutes, and 11 seconds of racing to the Arctic Circle and back from Les Sables d’Olonne, France.

Onboard 11th Hour Racing this morning, Francesca is in good spirits, about 105 nautical miles west-northwest of Brest, France, and focusing on the final stages of the Vendée Arctique after nearly eight days at sea.

Nearly seven days into the Vendée Arctique, and Francesca is in good heart onboard 11th Hour Racing, having managed to get some decent sleep as the boat cruised down the west coast of Ireland powered by a fresh easterly wind.

Day 6 and the co-skipper Alberto Bona gives his view on Francesca’s Vendée Arctique race so far

While Frankie is racing onboard 11th Hour Racing she isn’t ‘just’ racing … she’s also contributing towards ocean science research.

After three days at sea, Francesca has her IMOCA, 11th Hour Racing, in a strong position in the fleet ranking, holding fourth place about 123 nautical miles behind the leader, Sam Goodchild on MACIF Santé Prévoyance.

After nearly 48 hours at sea in the third edition of the Vendée Arctique, Francesca is flying along, very close to the Irish coast on board 11th Hour Racing, and holding fifth position out of the eight boats still racing.

After 24 hours at sea, Francesca Clapcich onboard 11th Hour Racing is lying in sixth place in the Vendée Arctique-Les Sables d’Olonne, heading northwest in light winds, but with a fast and rough ride to the southern tip of Ireland to come.

At 1302 CEST (1102 UTC) on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Italian-American offshore sailor, Francesca Clapcich crossed the startline of the Vendée Arctique - Les Sables d’Olonne, one of the most innovative events in offshore racing.

The gun goes off at 13:02. Whether you're in Les Sables d'Olonne or watching from home, here's how to follow every moment.

Ahead of the start of the Vendée Arctique-Les Sables d'Olonne, the race organisation sat down with Francesca for a conversation that goes beyond the race itself.

On June 7, 2026, Italian-American offshore sailor Francesca Clapcich will take the start of the Vendée Arctique-Les Sables d'Olonne onboard her 60-foot foiling IMOCA 11th Hour Racing.

The Vendée Globe has long been a dream of mine - racing solo, non-stop, around the world.

Francesca Clapcich explains why she feels so passionate about marine life.

A few days after crossing the finish line of the 1000 Race, I finally feel like I've got the brain space to sit down and actually take it all in. I’ve finished my first ever solo IMOCA race!

Italian-American offshore sailor Francesca Clapcich has finished her first solo IMOCA  race in fifth place, after a five day, light-wind battle around the Bay of Biscay.

With just 140 miles to go to the end of Francesca’s first ever solo IMOCA race and life is uncomfortable onboard but the end is in sight …

As Day 4 dawns for Francesca Clapcich in the 1000 Race, it’s been a frustrating night with zero wind … the only upside is she’s been able to get some good rest.

Day 3 of the 1000 Race and Francesca has chosen the direct route, taking the lead on the tracker. But will it pay off?