Could you be our new Boat Captain?
Role description: Boat Captain
Location: Lorient, France
Monthly salary: €3,300-€4,000 net/month depending on the experience
Start date: ~June 15 ideally (for the arrival of Vendée-Arctique)
Project period: initial contract up to and including the 2028 Vendée Globe
Closing date: June 1, 2026
1. Our impact
Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing is more than just a performance offshore sailboat racing team - we are a community driven by passion, excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the water. We believe in the power of sport to inspire change, bring people together, and drive meaningful social initiatives. Sustainability is the bedrock of everything we do within the team, across environmental, social, and governance principles.
While Francesca and her team are racing, we will also be seeking out and implementing solutions to incorporate Belonging into the sport of sailing and beyond.
We are sponsored by 11th Hour Racing, the global organization which works with sports, maritime, and coastal communities to inspire solutions for the ocean.
2. Role core missions
The Boat Captain is responsible for the technical reliability, operational readiness, and safety of the vessel (a 2022 VPLP-designed foiling IMOCA). They serve as the direct link between the Skipper, the management team, and the shore team.
The Boat Captain becomes responsible for the boat in the skipper’s absence and will sail onboard with the sailing team as required.
⚙️ Technical Management & Maintenance
Overall Vessel Responsibility: Ensure the boat is always in optimal, seaworthy condition (structure, rigging, electronic systems, hydraulics, foils, mechanics, and sails), with the support of a technical team.
Refit Management: Supporting the technical director and engineer, they will plan, coordinate, and supervise technical refits (winter refits, post-race optimizations, post-transat servicing).
Quality Control & Reliability: Implement preventative maintenance protocols & routine pre- and post-sailing checks).
📋 Logistics & Team Coordination
Coordination of Technical Projects: Coordinate day to day work flow for shore crew specialists (composite builders, systems engineers, riggers) as well as external contractors to meet deadlines and overall project plan of the Team. Responsible for ensuring safety rules are respected onboard.
Inventory & Spare Parts Management: Oversee the shore-based spare parts inventory and the onboard ‘emergency repair kit’ tailored for solo racing. Tools management including Inventory and maintenance etc.
Race Management: Organize the boat configuration for races (IMOCA measurement compliance, safety equipment). In close coordination with the Logistics & Circularity Manager, support the preparation and inspection of onboard living equipment and gear/spares. Preparation and successful approval of pre-race safety inspections.
Shed Management: Participation in the maintenance and organization of the technical area.
🌊 On-Water Operations & Skipper Support
Sailing Preparation: Oversee boat launches, docking, stepping/unstepping the mast, and lead the support RIB team during race starts and arrivals.
Technical Sailing: Participate in sea trials and technical sails (system validation, electronics calibration).
Skipper Support: Work closely with Francesca Clapcich to adapt the boat’s ergonomics and systems to her specific solo racing performance requirements.
Technical support: Part of of the technical crisis group (24h watch during the races)
🌱 Sustainability Commitment
Ensure all technical operations strictly adhere to 11th Hour Racing’s sustainability charter (strict yard waste management, sourcing bio-based or low-impact materials whenever possible, minimizing the shore team's carbon footprint).
Mentorship: We regularly support and host interns and mentees within our team as well as employ less experienced team members to encourage diversity within the sport. The Boat Captain will be expected to engage with all of our mentee and internship programs and mentor more junior members of the team sharing their knowledge and experience.
3. Candidate Profile
Experience & Technical Skills
Required Experience: Significant experience (minimum 3 to 5 years) as a boat captain or shore crew member in offshore racing, ideally within the IMOCA class or large multihulls (Ocean Fifty/ULTIM). Must have good sailing experience on ocean racing boats.
Multidisciplinary Technical Expertise: Strong background in composite, rigging, hydraulic and mechanics systems, and/or marine electronics/electricity. Strong interest in hands-on/manual work. Proficiency in reading technical drawings, schematics, and technical specs is desired.
Regulations: In-depth knowledge of IMOCA class rules.
Soft Skills & Attributes
Team Spirit : A desire to share knowledge and help the team grow and progress; ability to delegate work, empower others to grow, overseeing delivery within a people-first culture.
Rigorous & Organized: Absolute attention to detail (as the safety of a solo IMOCA sailor depends on it). Time and priorities management is key with the ability to take decisions under times of stress.
Value-Driven: Strong alignment with diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability initiatives, reflecting the core vision of the skipper and the sponsor.
Languages:Fluent English is mandatory (the project and sponsor are international, operating in a bilingual English/French environment). French language skills are a significant asset given the team's base in Lorient.
4. Job Conditions
Contract Type: CDI
Location: Based in Lorient (La Base), France, with frequent travel to be expected
Availability: As soon as possible
We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we are part of. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We believe that a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging strengthens our work and our impact. All team members are expected to have input into, and sign our Team Charter which aligns to the values and behaviors of Team Francesca Clapcich.
To apply please complete this form and send your CV to pifou@team7sailing.com