Clapcich finishes 1000 Race in fifth place and qualifies for the Vendée Arctique
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.
Day 5 Race Report: hard on the wind on the final leg up to Concarneau
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 …
Day 4 Race Update: “Send some wind, please, because that’s what we need ..!”
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 Race Report: Francesca takes the direct route
Day 3 of the 1000 Race and Francesca has chosen the direct route, taking the lead on the tracker. But will it pay off?
Day 2 Race Report: small gains overnight
It’s Day 2 of the 1000 Race and small gains overnight has seen Francesca move from 6th into 5th place as the seven-strong fleet approach the Fastnet Rock, southwest of Ireland.
Light air and patience for the start of the 1000 Race
Frankie will take the start tomorrow at 12:00 local (10:00 UTC) of the 1000 Race and the first challenge won't be wind, it will be the absence of it…
Follow the start of the 1000 Race
This Sunday, Francesca lines up for the 1000 Race, her first ever solo race on an IMOCA. Seven boats will set off from Port-la-Forêt in Brittany, France, heading out on a 1,200 nautical mile loop in the Bay of Biscay. Here's how to follow the start, on Sunday at 12:00 CEST (UTC+1).
Francesca Clapcich to start first solo IMOCA race in the 1000 Race on Sunday
On May 3, 2026, Italian-American offshore sailor, Francesca Clapcich, will take the start of the 1000 Race - her very first solo race on an IMOCA.
Francesca Clapcich unveils her crew on 11th Hour Racing for The Ocean Race Atlantic
Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing has revealed its international line-up to take on The Ocean Race Atlantic from New York, USA to Lorient, France this summer.
Team Francesca Clapcich unveils bold new visual identity ahead of 2026 offshore race season
Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing has unveiled its bold new racing livery after a four month winter refit. The striking new branding on the 60-foot sail boat has been created by Italian award-winning duo Van Orton Design - twin brothers Stefano and Marco Schiavon.
We are going racing! Bring on the 2026 action
The 2026 racing calendar has been revealed! Four races, all based around the Atlantic Ocean, three solo and one fully crewed. It’s going to be a busy year for everyone in Team Frankie!
Only a few days before the end of the year and it’s time to reflect
I am not going to share sailing stats, racing updates, or performance KPIs but an open letter for people to take and bring closer to their heart and find some introspection as we head into the holiday season
Will Harris - a technical debrief of the Transat Café L’OR
Will Harris shares his thoughts on what’s next for the 11th Hour Racing IMOCA, the challenges of hand-steering versus auto-pilot, and taking the learnings from this first race for the team forward into Francesca’s Vendée Globe campaign.
Will Harris - reflections on the Transat Café L’OR
Co-skipper Will Harris shares his reflections on a race well sailed! With a top five finish as their goal before the start, the second placed in the Transat Café L’OR was a boost, thanks to preparation and sailing their own race.
A moment to breathe and reflect on the Transat Café L’OR
A few days after the end of the Transat Café L’OR and Francesca has sat down to share what went through her mind at the start, her emotions at the finish, and what the next few months will bring.
Day 11 - 600 miles to go - the countdown is on to the finish
With 600 miles to go to the finish of the Transat Café L’OR in Martinique and the fight is on for the podium positions. Frankie and Will are hand-steering to squeeze the maximum speed out of the boat.
Day 10 - the battle for the podium is underway
Day 10 and the battle for the podium is well underway as Frankie and Will race towards Fort-de-France, Martinique in the Transat Café L’OR with a little over 1,000 nautical miles to go as of this morning.
Day 9 - a wild Trade Wind ride to the West
Day 9 and the it has been a wild ride for Francesca and Will for the past 24-hours, averaging over 26 knots. Martinique is just three and a half days away as the duo battle to keep their hold on the podium.
Day 8 - despite a penalty, holding firm to third place
Despite receiving a 30 minute penalty yesterday for breaking the seal of their liferaft, Francesca and Will are holding firmly onto third place in this double-handed battle across the Atlantic.
Day 7 - halfway done, half way to go and into the Trade Winds!
Overnight, during a long hitch out to the west under the Canary Islands, Jérémie Beyou and Morgan Lagravière on Charal drew level and then eased ahead of 11th Hour Racing to retake the lead on day seven.
Keep up with the team
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